The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) has invested $900,000 in three projects that examine the potential to develop new sources of hydro energy in the Northwest Territories. With investments from project proponents, the total value of three projects is over $1.6 million. The projects are:
Metis Energy Company Taltson Hydro Due Diligence
CanNor Funding: $150,000
Proponent Funding: $100,000
Total Project Value: $250,000
The Metis Energy Company used the CanNor funds on behalf of the Aboriginal owners of Deze Energy to undertake due diligence activities on a proposed Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion project. The expansion project would add a new 56 megawatt power plant to the existing Twin Gorges power plant on the Taltson River in Canada's Northwest Territories. Funded activities included examination of business and legal arrangements and financial modelling related to the project.
Integrated Hydro Development Strategy
CanNor Funding: $300,000
Proponent Funding: $200,000
Total Project Value: $500,000
The NT Hydro Corporation used the CanNor funds to examine options for expanding domestic and export markets for energy from NWT hydro facilities. This includes linking existing NWT hydro systems together, linking NWT electrical grids to Alberta, and linking NWT communities and resource development projects to hydro energy. The project also examined non-traditional renewable energy options to supply communities and industry. Specific research included an energy infrastructure study, Taltson transmission route alternatives, Taltson Basin energy evaluation, strategic planning study, export market study, and a renewable electric heat evaluation.
La Marte River Hydro Project Feasibility Study
CanNor Funding: $450,000
Proponent Funding: $450,000
Total Project Value: $900,000
The Tlicho Investment Corporation used the CanNor funding to undertake a feasibility study for a proposed 13 megawatt hydroelectric project at La Martre Falls in the Northwest Territories. The study focused on re-examination of the potential market for hydro energy from the La Martre project and alternative development schemes that might improve the potential for staging project development to match evolving demand for energy.
Federal investment for this project is 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.
SINED is one of several economic development programs within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, research, and advocacy.
