A new diesel plant has opened in the Northwest Territories’ northernmost community, replacing an earlier facility built in 1975.
In a Wednesday news release, the NWT Power Corporation – or NTPC – said the new plant in Sachs Harbour will provide more reliable service, require less diesel, produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and allow for renewable energy sources to be added in the future.
“Reliability is a high priority for NTPC and this new plant will help residents of Sachs Harbour have confidence that power will be available when they need it,” Caroline Wawzonek, the minister responsible for NTPC, was quoted as saying.
“Upgraded and reliable energy infrastructure in Sachs Harbour is critical to improving the quality of life for hamlet residents,” MP Michael McLeod said in a statement that highlighted the plant’s stated reduction in environmental impacts.
Roughly 100 people live in Sachs Harbour on the southwestern coast of Banks Island in the High Arctic. According to Wednesday’s press release, peak electricity demand in the hamlet is approximately 200 kilowatt hours.
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In 2019, the federal and territorial governments announced joint funding of $9.8 million for a new power plant in the community.
NTPC said the final cost of the project is currently estimated at $13.8 million.
