The Government of Canada is working with partners to reduce northern communities’ reliance on diesel for heating and electricity by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. To this end, the Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program (Northern REACHE) has provided $88,000 to Nihtat Energy Limited to undertake a pre-feasibility study to assess the viability of developing biomass district energy systems in Inuvik.
By supporting an emerging northern biomass industry, the government is aiming to create local jobs, accelerate the shift to clean energy and keep investments in the North by using local resources to build a regional economy. It also aims to support healthier, more sustainable communities across the North and reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Government of Canada has supported 108 projects, with an investment of $20.4 million, through its Northern REACHE program since its inception in 2016-2017, to assist communities working to reduce their reliance on diesel fuel. These investments are part of Canada’s nearly $700 million commitment to help rural and remote communities get off diesel, through programs delivered by Natural Resources Canada and Infrastructure Canada. Through Canada’s climate plan, the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the government is working with provinces, territories and indigenous peoples to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to a changing climate, and support the transition to a clean growth economy.
