The federal government has announced $500,000 in funding to support a wind energy project in Paulatuk.
According to a press release, the funding will help the hamlet and Paulatuk Energy Working Group to complete a community energy plan and establish a wind project with a battery energy storage system to displace diesel use in the community.
Located on the Arctic coast, Paulatuk is reliant on fossil fuels but has long been working to reach 100-percent renewable energy.
The wind project, which is expected to cost a total of $705,000, will include community engagement with youth, Elders, the Hunters and Trappers Association and the hamlet council. The hamlet and energy working group are collaborating with ATCO Electric, who is providing project management expertise and technical support.
The federal funding comes from phase two of the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative, a renewable energy training program that supports Indigenous-led climate solutions in remote communities that use fossil fuel for heat and power. A total of ten projects across BC, Alberta, Nunavut, NWT, Ontario and Quebec, received funding.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
“The transition to clean energy continues to be important to Indigenous communities and the Government of Canada as we work together toward reconciliation,” NWT MP Michael McLeod said in a statement. “The Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative projects announced today are a great example of the way we can encourage self-determined priorities by supporting communities in increasing their control over their energy future and well-being.”
