Sachs Harbour, Northwest Territories, March 27, 2024 – Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC), and Cory Strang, President and CEO of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, are pleased to announce the opening of a new higher-efficiency diesel plant in Sachs Harbour.
The new plant replaces a generation facility that had reached the end of its service life, having originally been constructed in 1975 and powering the community ever since. The new plant will provide more reliable service, require less diesel fuel consumption and allow for the future addition of renewable energy sources to the local system. The new power plant incorporates a substructure frame on top of the existing concrete pad. This system allows for adjustment to compensate for ground movement and makes the plant more resilient to the effects of climate change.
The project received more than $7.4 million in funding from the Government of Canada through the Arctic Energy Fund of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Final costs for the plant are still being assessed but are expected to be approximately $13.8 million.
NTPC is a wholly owned subsidiary of NT Hydro, which in turn is 100 percent owned by the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Quotes
“This new diesel power plant will increase the efficiency and reliability of electricity generation, while reducing environmental impacts by using less diesel fuel to support a cleaner, healthier environment. Upgraded and reliable energy infrastructure in Sachs Harbour is critical to improving the quality of life for hamlet residents.”
Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada
"Reliability is a high priority for NTPC and this new plant will help residents of Sachs Harbour have confidence that power will be available when they need it. The plant will also make any future addition of renewable technology to the local electricity system easier, a remarkable feature in the NWT's northernmost community. I want to thank Canada for investing in a project that will directly impact residents in the High Arctic."
Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation
“NTPC is delighted that this new plant is Sachs Harbour is now fully operational. Our customers will benefit from this new plant that will be more reliable, consume less diesel and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.”
Cory Strang, President and CEO of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation
Quick Facts
- Sachs Harbour is located on the southwestern coast of Banks Island in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories
- The hamlet has a population of just over 100 residents
- The electricity system is not connected to the North American electricity grid, is off the piped natural gas network, and is not accessible by road.
- Peak electricity demand in the community is approximately 200 kilowatt hours.
Related Links:
Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Doug Prendergast
Northwest Territories Power Corporation
867-874-5202