Inuit Corporation and IPP partner for small hydro project in Canada

11 June 2019


Innergex Renewable Energy Inc, the Pituvik Landholding Corporation and Hydro-Québec have jointly announced the construction of a 7.5MW run-of-river hydroelectric generating station on the Inukjuak River near Inukjuak, Nunavik, in northern Québec, with the innovative project planned to provide customers of Inukjuak’s off-grid system with clean and renewable energy. 

Valued at approximately $125 million, this project is the first partnership between an Inuit corporation and an independent power producer. Innergex will oversee the construction and operation of the station, with Pituvik as a 50% partner. A 40-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has been signed with Hydro-Québec.

Site preparation should begin in the fourth quarter of 2019 and construction in 2020. The generating station should then begin serving the community toward late 2022.

The Innavik Project is expected to be a catalyst for growth in this Inuit community of 1800 on the coast of Hudson Bay. It will create local jobs during construction and operation while enabling economic diversification. The revenue generated by the facility will enable the community to set up local support programs for youth and elders, to develop local initiatives to improve social well-being in the community, and to support entrepreneurship. Thanks to the Innavik Project, the community could also benefit from a renewable energy-powered greenhouse that will improve food security.

“Innergex has entered into many partnerships with local and Indigenous communities to develop renewable energy projects and we are proud to have concluded our first partnership with an Inuit community in connection with the Innavik Project,” said Michel Letellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Innergex. “This will be the first generating station built for an off-grid system in a remote community to help their transition from diesel to hydroelectricity. Our extensive expertise in small hydro projects and in partnerships with communities should be a key success factor for this unique project, with tangible benefits for the community and future generations.”

“Switching to hydropower will enable us to replace diesel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for our basic electricity and heating needs, while saving on fuel costs,” added Eric Atagotaaluk, President of Pituvik. “This is good for the planet and the newly-available green electricity will bring sustainable development opportunities for our community.”

 



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