Qulliq Energy Corporation says the Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project in Naujaat has been completed and connected to its power grid. The project is the first completed project under QEC’s Independent Power Producer program, which lets approved outside generators sell renewable electricity to the utility. Source↗

The project began supplying the grid on Aug. 20, according to Nunatsiaq News, which reported that QEC said commissioning and testing continue. QEC expects full renewable-energy production capacity in spring 2027. Source↗

Naujaat has relied on diesel for electricity. QEC says the new connection is expected to reduce imported diesel use by about 400,000 litres a year, equal to about 30 per cent of the community’s annual electricity demand. That is an expected project result, not yet a measured operating result. Source↗

The project also establishes the first completed use of QEC’s Independent Power Producer program for community-scale renewable generation. QEC’s program permits approved producers outside the utility to generate renewable power and sell it directly to QEC. Source↗

QEC will continue testing the solar-and-battery system before it reaches expected full production in spring 2027. Future reporting should seek operating data on actual electricity delivered, diesel displaced, reliability and any effect on power costs. No public record reviewed confirms a change to Naujaat customer electricity rates.

The developer is Kivalliq Alternative Energy, a partnership between Sakku Investments Corporation and Northern Energy Capital. Federal records list a $7.28-million Natural Resources Canada contribution to Kivalliq Alternative Energy for the Naujaat Solar and Energy Storage Project, running from Jan. 10, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2029. Source↗

The project was assessed as a 1.05-megawatt solar installation with a one-megawatt-hour battery in its Nunavut Impact Review Board record. The earlier regulatory estimate was that it could meet nearly 30 per cent of community electricity demand. Source↗