NorthOnce built, Iqaluit’s hydro project would completely replace the diesel power plant the city relies on. Project now 4 years ahead of scheduleBianca McKeown · CBC News · Posted: Nov 14, 2025 6:33 PM EST | Last Updated: November 14Listen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty, alongside Inuit leaders, at a news conference on Nov. 13, 2025, announcing the inclusion of the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project on the federal government’s major projects list. (Cameron Lane/CBC )Nunavut leaders say it was an exciting day to see a hydro project in Iqaluit on the federal government’s fast-track list. On Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced seven “nation-building” projects he’s recommending to speed up approval for by the government’s Major Projects Office.The Inuit-owned clean energy company, Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation’s (NNC) Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project is among those that made the cut. The plan is to build a 15-to-30 megawatt traditional water power plant, and NNC is eyeing up a possible site located 60 kilometres northwest of Iqaluit by the Kuugaluk River (McKeand River South).NNC director Heather Shilton says this project is a major step forward for clean energy in the territory. “Iqaluit now burns about 17-million litres of diesel every year for electricity generation,” she said. “This project would allow us to completely replace the diesel power plant for prime power of electricity.”Outgoing Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok called the project “transformative” and an “incredible major milestone” for Nunavut. He says this project making the nation-building projects list marks “real progress” that Nunavut’s priorities are national priorities. �“These investments are essential to the strength, to the security and the sustainability of our country,” he said. “This project is more about just power. It’s really about empowerment.”The Kuugaluk River, situated 60 kilometres northwest of Iqaluit, is where NNC has identified as a possible site for the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project. (Submitted by Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation)Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Jeremy Tunraluk is also excited about the project. He says true Arctic sovereignty means building healthy communities with affordable power and energy for Inuit, which this project aims to do. “True sovereignty means Inuit living good lives here,” Tunraluk said. “I am pleased that Canada is beginning to act as an Arctic nation.” Nunavut’s sole utility provider, Qulliq Energy Corporation, expects the hydro project, once completed, to be able to reduce QEC’s carbon emissions in Nunavut by 30 per cent. Expedited timelineNNC estimates the project will cost $500 million. Shilton says NNC has already received $26 million from the federal government this yearWhile there was no new federal funding announced on Thursday for the project, Shilton says she looks forward to future talks about how the financing will work, whether that be through financing programs or tax credits.Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty and Nunavut NDP MP for Nunavut Lori Idlout at the Qulliq Energy Corporation power station where the announcement took place. (Cameron Lane/CBC)NNC CEO Harry Flaherty says being on the list of major projects for fast-tracked approval will open doors for more investments moving forward. “When you have a backing of the federal government on this particular project, I think it really speeds up the process of getting our private investors and the banks to help us out on this very important project,” he said. Right now, the project is wrapping up the front-end engineering and design phase. With this announcement, Flaherty says the project’s timeline has been sped up. Construction is expected to begin in 2028, four years ahead of schedule, with the dam possibly being operational by 2030. ABOUT THE AUTHORBianca McKeown is a reporter with CBC North in Iqaluit. Previously, she worked at CBC Ottawa. Have a story idea? Email her at: Bianca.mckeown@cbc.ca
Inuit leaders excited Iqaluits ‘transformative’ hydro project on federal government’s fast-track list
