2010-2011 Funding
Total CanNor Funding: $406,900
Total Project Value: $1,555,625
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) will invest $406,900 in 2010-2011 towards four alternative energy research projects in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Contributions from other partners bring the total value of the projects to more than $1.5 million in 2010-2011. The funding will be used for demonstrations of biodiesel production and energy efficient building construction, as well as planning and studies for proposed renewable energy projects at two former mine sites. Descriptions of each project follow:
1. Ecology North: Biodiesel Production
CanNor Funding (2010-2011): $40,000
Total Project Value (2010-2011): $118,875
Waste vegetable oil can be converted to biodiesel and used to power diesel automobiles and heat homes. Ecology North will study the feasibility of full scale production of biodiesel from waste vegetable oil in Yellowknife. Funds will be used to collect and assess data, operate a biodiesel processing facility, test biodiesel quality, and to develop a final report. Activities will include surveying of businesses that produce waste vegetable oil, collecting waste vegetable oil, producing biodiesel, testing the fuel at varying temperatures, and hosting educational events at the production facility.
2. Deton Cho Corporation: Wind Energy
CanNor Funding (2010-2011): $150,000
Total Project Value (2010-2011): $250,000
Deton Cho Corporation, in partnership with Ryfan Wind Inc., will study the feasibility of building a wind farm on the Giant Mine site to supply electrical power for mine remediation activities. Funds will be used to research the technical and economic viability of the project and to prepare a business case. Activities will include installing a wind tower, collecting and analysing data, conducting regulatory studies, and developing stakeholder and investor engagement materials. Deton Cho Corporation is the economic development arm of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.
3. City of Yellowknife Equilibrium House: Building Technology
CanNor Funding (2010-2011): $65,000
Total Project Value (2010-2011): $935,750
The City of Yellowknife plans to construct a multi-unit building that will use innovative renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. One of the units will be open to the public, and will demonstrate these technologies for a year. The project will use state of the art technologies, high efficiency electrical fixtures and water saving devices. The intent of the project is to show builders, the construction industry and training institutions that “sustainable” building is good business practice. Phase 1 activities in 2010-2011 will include establishing a project team, consulting with the public and stakeholders, selecting a building site, developing the design and project scope, and finalizing project sponsors.
4. City of Yellowknife: Geothermal Energy
CanNor Funding (2010-2011): $151,900
Total Project Value (2010-2011): $251,000
The City of Yellowknife has developed a business case for the proposed construction of a geothermal energy source at the former Con Mine site. The project would draw from the deepest sections of the mine to heat downtown buildings. The City previously completed a feasibility study that determined the project would be technically and economically viable. The business case provides detailed technical, economic, financial and institutional assessments, as well as temperature and water test results, required by decision-makers and financial institutions. The proposed system would displace up to 7.5 million litres of heating oil, reducing annual green house gas emissions by as much as 18,000 tonnes and create substantial direct and indirect employment during the construction phase.
These investments are made possible through CanNor’s Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.
