The Arctic Bioenergy Summit and Tour: Sustainable Bioenergy for Northern Communities: Reliable. Affordable. Local. starts today in Yellowknife and runs until January 28.

Hosted by the Arctic Energy Alliance and the Wood Pellet Association of Canada, this in-person event replaces the 2026 edition of the Northwest Territories Biomass Week and brings together energy leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from across Canada to explore sustainable bioenergy solutions for northern and remote communities.

The Summit begins with a full-day tour of local biomass installations, including bioheat and district heat systems, followed by a two-day conference at Chateau Nova. Attendees will:

• Explore the bioenergy landscape in Canada’s North and hear lessons from domestic and international projects
• Learn about the supply chain challenges and opportunities for northern bioenergy
• Gain practical knowledge for planning, funding, installing, and maintaining bioenergy systems
• Examine the economic, social, health, and environmental impacts of bioenergy
• Network with peers, policymakers, and energy experts through breaks, receptions, and dedicated networking sessions

For those involved in biomass boiler operations, the Arctic Energy Alliance will also host a two-day NWT Biomass Boiler and Heating Plant Training Session, January 29 and 30, 2026.

Event Details at a glance:

• Biomass Installations Tour: January 26
• Summit: January 27-28
• Training Sessions: January 29-30

The Government of the Northwest Territories funded the Arctic Energy Alliance and the larger conference with strategic support to help advance clean energy innovation and strengthen energy security across the North.

Quote:

“We’re proud to support initiatives that bring national attention to the North. The Arctic Bioenergy Summit and Tour will bring together people from across Canada to share ideas about sustainable bioenergy for northern and remote communities. By supporting this event, we’re demonstrating that practical, northern-led solutions can make a real difference and that the Northwest Territories is leading in cold-climate energy innovation.”

- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains.

Quick Facts

• First-of-its-kind northern event: The Arctic Bioenergy Summit and Tour bring together energy leaders from across Canada to focus exclusively on northern and remote bioenergy solutions.
• Hands-on learning: Day one features a full-day tour of Yellowknife biomass installations, including district heating and bioheat systems in operation.
• National attention: By hosting this event, the Northwest Territories showcases northern-led bioenergy innovation to a Canada-wide audience.
• NWT leadership: with 34% of space heating provided by wood pellets, the Government of the NWT is a national leader in bioenergy and helped establish biomass as a reliable, cost-effective source of heat across the NWT.

Quick Links:

• Event information

For media requests, please contact:
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_communications@gov.nt.ca