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Alternative Energy

Alternative energy is all around us and abundant in the NWT. This section explores the alternative energy evolution taking place in the Territory and how it affects you.

What is alternative energy?

Alternative Energies are energies that can be used to help reduce the use of fossil fuel, and lower our environmental impact. Some examples are: solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro and wind.

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What is solar energy, and how can it be used in the NWT?

Solar energy is light and heat from the sun that can be used to make electricity using solar panels and energy converters. This energy source can be used in many ways, from heating water and living spaces within our homes to generating electrical energy in schools and other large buildings. The GNWT developed its Solar Energy Strategy for the Northwest Territories with the vision to “Promote the use of solar energy technology and reduce the consumption of, and reliance on, fossil fuels for electricity generation in the NWT.”

Solar Array at Colville Lake

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What is biomass energy and how can it be used in the NWT?

Biomass energy uses fuel that is developed from organic materials, a renewable and sustainable source of energy that is burned to create electricity and to heat homes and buildings. Wood pellets, made from compressed sawdust, provide the most commonly used source of biomass energy in the NWT. Other forms of biomass fuel are solid waste and decomposing vegetation that generate gasses, known as biogas, which can be harnessed and burned.

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What is geothermal energy and how can it be used in the NWT?

Geothermal energy is heat energy captured from deep underground. Water is pumped through pipes that are run through holes in the ground. The water is heated by the extreme temperature deep underground, and when it returns to the surface it is used to heat buildings, or the steam is used to turn turbines that generate electricity.

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What is hydro energy and how can it be used in the NWT?

Hydro energy is power derived from the energy of falling water or fast running water that then spins a wheel or turbine generating electricity. There are currently three hydro systems that provide electricity to homes and businesses in the NWT. They are Snare, Bluefish and Talston Hydro Systems.

Taltson River

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What is wind energy and how can it be used in the NWT?

Wind energy is the use of airflow through wind turbines to provide the mechanical power to turn generators creating electricity. To have sustainable wind energy, a sustained wind speed is required. The GNWT has been monitoring wind speed in the NWT since 2005, and has found that the best wind potential is in the Beaufort Delta Region.

Currently, Diavik diamond mine has the only four wind turbines operational in the Northwest Territories. Together, these four wind turbines are capable of generating 9.2MW to help power the mine and reduce consumption of fossil fuels.

Diavik Wind Turbine

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Can alternative energy replace nonrenewable energy in the NWT?

The short answer is yes. Governments, the scientific community, and industry generally agree that alternative energy will eventually be less expensive than, and as reliable and convenient as fossil fuels, and will replace fossil fuels as the main source of energy in the NWT; however, since the economy is so reliant on fossil fuels as an energy supply, there will be a slow transition period.

To see how the community of Colville Lake has begun to transition to alternative energy to reduce their fossil fuel consumption, see the video below:

Colville Lake, Solar & Storage Energy Project from Institute of the North on Vimeo.

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How could alternative energy affect NWT's economy?

Alternative energies can impact a local economy through the creation of manufacturing and installation jobs, lower overall energy costs for businesses and residents, and a lower cost-of-living depending on the performance of the investments made.

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Do all alternative energy sources "pay for themselves" over time?

There are a lot of variables when considering what a good alternative energy investment is. For example, location – a wind turbine installed somewhere without wind would never pay for itself. Investments in alternate energies in other regions have demonstrated it is possible to save money in the long-term.

For more information on alternative energy technologies, please visit the Arctic Energy Alliance website: http://aea.nt.ca/

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How could alternative energy sources be integrated into my home or business and can it contribute to NWT's energy grid?

Through the Net-Metering Program, people with solar energy generators may sell electricity they produce but don’t need back to the grid that they are connected to. They receive electricity cost credits in return.

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Are alternative energy initiatives spearheaded by the GNWT, communities, or private companies?

All three. The GNWT is ultimately responsible for the three hydro dams in the Territory, but there are other projects like the Colville Lake hybrid solar/diesel generator that private company, NTPC, helped build and the community operates.

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Can alternative energy initiatives be installed in protected areas, since they are renewable?

While it won’t be required, the use of renewable energy in protected areas will be promoted.

For example, both the proposed Ramparts and Thaidene Nene protected areas have special allowances that will allow for the use of local firewood for heating tourism lodges and cabins. Cutting of firewood isn’t usually permitted in a national park (which part of Thaidene Nene is expected to be), but the GNWT communicated to the Government of Canada that cutting firewood for local use is preferred over bringing in diesel or propane when there is firewood (renewable) readily available.

ENR’s draft Protected Areas Act states that mining, oil and gas development, and large scale energy developments won’t be allowed within protected areas. If that draft Act passes with that wording, there will be a clear emphasis on small-scale renewable energy.

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Will alternative energy affect the environment in a negative way?

Effects on the environment depend on the alternative energy source. For instance, some hydro dams physically alter the environment by blocking a waterway and flooding some of the surroundings. Wind farms can come in contact with the local birds. With advanced planning that takes these hazards into consideration, the effects can be mitigated.

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