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Energy in Nunavut

September 06, 2013

The Government of Nunavut has published a presentation on the energy situation faced in that territory. It is the highest cost area in Canada which derives 100% of its energy from diesel fuel.

A few other interesting points:

Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) is the government owned energy provider.  QEC in its last annual report stated that it would analyze the completed investigations towards constructing new power plants in: Arviat, Chesterfield Inlet and Grise Fiord. QEC had $177M in assets as at 31-Mar-2013.

Commentary

Nunavut is in an unenviable position vis a vis its energy options. Unlike Greenland, Nunavut cannot tap into nearby hydro potential. The only community with hydro potential is Iqaluit and the government is set to conduct a feasibility study next year. Another issue is aging generating plant—a number of communities are in dire need of new generators and transmission facilities.

Sources