The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project is looking at what types of renewable energy can be used in Iqaluit. It is looking at ways that Inuit and Inuit organizations can be the owners and benefactors of renewable energy, so that renewable energy can power communities, and money generated from renewable energy can stay within the community.

The main goal of the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project is to carve a path for Iqalungmiut to reduce reliance on diesel fuel as much as possible. Burning diesel to make electricity is very expensive; it harms the environment, and people’s health. By shifting away from fossil fuels for making electricity, Iqalungmiut can create their future with clean energy for generations to come.

Right now, Nunavut makes all of its electricity from diesel. This is expensive and contributes to Nunavut’s pollution. Diesel is shipped in from the south, so none of the money that Nunavummiut spend on electricity stays in Nunavut.

Renewable energy owned by Inuit communities could change this so that the money spent on electricity goes back into Inuit communities. It would also reduce pollution so that Nunavut communities can have a cleaner environment.

Yes! By using the right mix of renewable energy technologies, our research shows that it is possible to move the city of Iqaluit away from using diesel for electricity completely.

There are a number of benefits of this project and switching to renewable energy.

Key benefits include:

• Less pollution in the air, land, and water from burning diesel

• Fewer risks of diesel spills, especially when shipping fuel in

• More jobs are created in Iqaluit and Nunavut

• Community members are trained to operate and maintain renewable energy technology

• Money stays in Nunavut, instead of leaving the territory

• Less reliance on the South for energy needs

Without the diesel power plant running all day, every day, Iqaluit will have cleaner air and overall, a cleaner environment.

In Sanikiluaq, the new wind turbine will produce enough power to sell back to the power company. The community will receive money back through a community enhancement fund, and dividends. This is the financial model the community decided on. For the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project, the community will also have an opportunity to decide what model of compensation would work best.