Policy and Planning

The Policy and Planning division oversees many initiatives and programs related to policy with Nunatsiavut, as well as those under the Energy Security division. The director of Policy and Planning oversees the division.

Energy Security

Nain Wind Microgrid Project

The Nain Wind Micro Grid aims to reduce community reliance on diesel fuel for electricity generation. Upon completion, the 2.3-megawatt project is expected to be the largest wind energy-powered microgrid across the Canadian Arctic. The project will provide 50% of Nain’s electricity on an annual basis, displace over one million liters of diesel fuel per year, and generate hundreds of thousands in annual revenue for NG to invest in self-determined priorities.

High Efficiency Woodstoves Replacement Program

The $1.3mn High Efficiency Woodstove Replacement Program contribution agreement was finalized with Natural Resources Canada in February of 2021. We plan to procure, ship, and install at least 200 high efficiency woodstoves across our communities by the spring of 2023. The high efficiency woodstoves will make a major difference in the lives of Inuit, cutting household wood consumption by at least 33%, significantly improving local air quality, and displacing an estimated 100,000 liters of diesel fuel in Nunatsiavut on an annual basis.

Solar Demonstration Projects 

Building upon the success of the Makkovik solar-pv project, Nunatsiavut Government plans on constructing four 20 kilowatt solar projects in Nain, Hopedale, Postville, and Rigolet, done in partnership with each Inuit Community Government. Upon completion, every community in Nunatsiavut will be producing their own clean, renewable energy for local consumption. The projects will have an important impact in our communities – producing over 70 megawatt hours of clean electricity annually and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions by over 60 tonnes, which is equivalent to over 20,000 liters of diesel fuel per year.

Youth Energy Training Initiative

Nunatsiavut Government formally launched our Youth Energy Training Initiative [YETI] in September of 2021. The goal of the YETI is to ensure that Nunatsiavut beneficiaries possess the skills, knowledge, and educational background necessary to lead sustainable energy transitions in their own communities. YETI will lessen Nunatsiavut Government’s reliance on external contractors and encourage local economic development in our communities.

Energy Security Plan

This Energy Security Plan for Nunatsiavut represents a proactive approach to meeting energy needs throughout the region with due recognition of local social and economic conditions. The plan adopts a sustainable development approach in addressing energy security in Nunatsiavut that also touches on other community infrastructure dimensions, notably housing and community facilities. A copy of the plan can be found here.