Inuvik wind farm part of latest N.W.T. plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

The Northwest Territories government says one of the biggest projects in its latest energy strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the territory is to install wind turbines in Inuvik.

In its Draft 2030 Energy Strategy, the territorial Department of Infrastructure says wind turbines weren't initially viable in the North but now, new technology means they'll work in extreme cold.

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By 2030, the territorial government wants toreduce its 2015 greenhouse gas emissionscreated by diesel-generated electricity by 25 per cent. That's just one of the objectives in its new strategy.

Many small communities in the N.W.T. rely on diesel to generate their electricity; the territorial government says Inuvik relies on it the most. That's whya wind turbine farm, which would cost about $30 million,would make sense for that community. It's not clear exactly how many wind turbines would be installed.

The government also plans to install small wind turbines in two unspecified communities, as well as solar-panel storing projects in 12 communities. It also wants toconnect Fort Providence, Kakisa and Whati to Yellowknife's hydroelectric system, which would cost about $80 million its most expensive project in the energy strategy.

$85 million in subsidies

Last year,Prime Minister JustinTrudeausaid that by 2030,Canada needed to cut its 2005 greenhouse gas emissionlevelsby 30 per cent. He alsogave provinces and territoriesanultimatum: by 2018, leadersmust eithercommit to paying a carbon taxor create a cap-and-trade system, where there are economic incentives for people to start reducing their individualcarbon footprint.

The N.W.T. government says it plans on putting aside $85 million for N.W.T. for subsidy programs that will make some renewable energy resourcesmore affordable.

The territorial government hopes to partner with Indigenous governments to make it possible for wood pellets to be created in the communities.

It also wants to introduce a grant that would subsidize the cost of hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles.It also plans on helping businesses pay for in-line fuel heaters and auxiliary power heaters to keep their larger vehicles like transport trucks warm, reducingidling.

The government will also subsidize the solar systems it plans for 12 communities.

• Read the draft strategy (PDF)