Wind Turbine Expected to Reduce Inuvik Electricity Bills

Construction to pave the way for a wind turbine began in Inuvik, N.W.T., last month. The turbine is expected to be up and running early next year, according to CBC Canada. 

The wind turbine is expected to save the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) from buying 3 million litres of fuel per year, which will translate to cost savings for Inuvik residents.

The community currently consumes the most diesel for electricity generation of anywhere in the territory.

Diane Archie, the territory's infrastructure minister, said the wind turbine is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tonnes per year. 

Ken Kyikavichik, Grand Chief of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, said the Gwich'in Tribal Council was "excited" about the wind turbine.

The Nihtat Gwich'in Council had argued the project was on land that had been set aside for reindeer grazing. It filed a challenge to the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories in Nov. 2020. However, that challenge was dropped the following January after the council's annual general meeting.