The federal government says it is investing $2 million in a project to develop geothermal energy in Fort Liard.
NWT MP Michael McLeod announced the new funding for ADK Holdings Ltd, the corporate arm of the Acho Dene Koe First Nation, at the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum on Tuesday.
“It’s great to see innovative projects come to life that will contribute to reducing diesel use and bringing health and economic benefits to communities,” he said, stressing the importance of supporting Indigenous communities’ expertise in addressing climate change and protecting the environment.
The funding comes from the federal Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program. It aims to support the Acho Dene Koe First Nation in determining the best strategies for – and finding opportunities to develop – geothermal resources in its traditional territory.
The NWT’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has said there is geothermal potential across the Dehcho region
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Last year, the First Nation partnered with a BC company to explore a potential geothermal energy project.
“The ADK geothermal development project will make a real difference in the lives of people living in the Northwest Territories while also driving down climate-changing emissions,” Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s minister of energy and natural resources said in a statement.
“Indigenous communities deserve to have access to the resources they need to advance clean energy solutions in their home territories.”
