Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has reached financial close on its first investment in Nunavut, approving a $6.7 million loan to fund the Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Project (ANP) in the Inuit hamlet of Sanikiluaq. The project includes a one-megawatt wind turbine and a one megawatt-hour energy storage system designed to offset up to 70% of the community’s diesel consumption.

The initiative aims to reduce reliance on diesel, the primary energy source in Nunavut’s remote communities, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving environmental and public health outcomes. The wind turbine is scheduled for delivery soon, with construction expected to complete by the end of 2026.

Hillary Thatcher, managing director of investments at CIB, highlighted the project's potential to serve as a replicable model for other 25 Inuit hamlets in the territory, many of which also depend heavily on diesel.

The project was developed over several years and secured a Power Purchase Agreement with the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Nunavut’s government-run utility, which will integrate the renewable energy into Sanikiluaq’s microgrid.

Beyond environmental benefits, the ANP will create approximately 20 jobs during construction and generate revenues to support local schools, daycare, and social programs through a profit-sharing model.

Federal Minister Gregor Robertson and Johnny Appaqaq, mayor of Sanikiluaq, expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing its social, economic, and environmental benefits.

This marks a milestone in Nunavut’s clean energy transition, following CIB’s earlier $100 million investment in the Northwest Territories’ Inuvialuit Energy Security Project.

Source: windspeaker.com