Photo of Makkovik Bay taken January 18, 2024. Photo by Barry AndersenArticle contentThe federal government is investing nearly $22 million in Inuit-led Labrador clean energy projects focused on solar, wind, and tidal power.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe first is the Nain Wind Microgrid Project, the over $22m in federal funding for which will support installation of two 1.5 kW wind turbines and battery storage. The result: 1.6 million litres or 63 percent less annual diesel consumption in the region.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“I think is just an incredible win for the community, for the environment, for Canada,” said Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty told The Telegram.Article contentApart from the obvious environmental benefits, it’s said power will become more affordable for Nain residents, and combined with increased power availability, more economic opportunities will open up.Article contentAn unspecified region near Rigolet is host to the second: the Rigolet Tidal Project, which nearing the end of the assessment phase. Federal funding here totals $225,000 and will support data collection in order to inform possible tidal energy facility locations.Article contentThe Makkovik Arena Solar Project is the last of the three. Details on it are scarce, but like the others, it is Indigenous-led. $424,000 by way of the federal Northern REACHE program has been allotted to support it as well as the installation of 80 kW of solar to Nunatsiavut Community Centres in Nain, Rigolet, Postville, and Hopedale.Article contentArticle contentThe stated goal of Northern REACHE is to assist northern and Indigenous communities in transitioning to “renewable, sustainable, and affordable” energy sources.Article content Nain — Courtesy of the Nunatsiavut Government – Submitted Photo by Contributed /ContributedArticle contentThe federal government acknowledged the Inuit peoples knowledge of the land and sea and tradition of innovation as factors in its current relationship.Article contentNatan Obed, President of advocacy group Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said he’s “pleased to join the Nunatsiavut Government and the Government of Canada to announce Inuit-led initiatives that focus on protecting and advancing environmental infrastructure.”Article contentRoom for expansionArticle contentGovernment hopes to replicate the project across Northern Canada, and the Rigolet Tidal Project in other communities. There’s even potential to expand it further, according to Alty.Article content“(Regarding) the Nain Wind Energy Project, being able to have the wind plus the battery can make it that reliable energy source,” she explained.Article content“And there’s still communities in southern Canada that aren’t 100 percent clean and green. So this might be a good model for them.”Article contentThe news comes in the wake of the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydroelectric Project announcement on Nov. 13, which is expected to reduce community diesel consumption by 100%, or 15 million litres.Article content“We know that Northern communities are frequently, dominantly diesel, so being able to transition away from diesel or reduce diesel is what we’re looking to create across Canada,” said Alty.Article contentSean Ridgeley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter.Article contentArticle contentArticle content
Feds commit nearly $22m to Labrador renewable energy projects
