A new “high efficiency” diesel plant in Sachs Harbour is now fully operational thanks to funding from the federal government and GNWT.
An announcement was made March 27, noting the current diesel plant was constructed in 1975. The news release from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) says the new plant will require less fuel and allow for the future addition of renewable energy sources to the local system, though it did not elaborate on what those would be.
The new plant will incorporate a “substructure” frame on the existing grounds to compensate for future ground movements resulting from climate change, which is being caused by burning fossil fuels like diesel.
In total, the project is estimated to cost $13.8 million, with $7.4 million coming from the federal government.
“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,” said Caroline Wawzonek, minister responsible for the power corporation. “The plant will also make any future addition of renewable technology to the local electricity system easier, a remarkable feature in the NWT’s northernmost community. I want to thank Canada for investing in a project that will directly impact residents in the High Arctic.”
Approximately 100 people live in Sachs Harbour. NTPC says peak electricity demand there is roughly 200 kilowatt hours and the community is disconnected from the power grid and road network, meaning all the fuel used needs to be barged in and purchased by the community. For comparison, it would take approximately 50 solar panels to generate 175 kilowatt hours during the summer.
“This new diesel power plant will increase the efficiency and reliability of electricity generation, while reducing environmental impacts by using less diesel fuel to support a cleaner, healthier environment,” said NWT MP Michael McLeod. “Upgraded and reliable energy infrastructure in Sachs Harbour is critical to improving the quality of life for hamlet residents.”