Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project
Proponent
Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation
Sector
Electricity
Location
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Proponent
Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation
Sector
Electricity
Location
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Description
The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project (ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦᓄᑭᒃᓴᐅᑏᑦᓴᓇᔭᐅᔪᖅ) is a proposed 15-30 megawatt hydropower plant along the Kuugaluk River, about 60 km northeast of Iqaluit. Led by Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation (NNC), an Inuit-owned renewable energy developer, the project would replace the city’s use of imported diesel-generated electricity with affordable, reliable and emissions-free power.
Regular engagement with Rights Holders and impacted groups continues at project decision points.
Description
The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project (ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦᓄᑭᒃᓴᐅᑏᑦᓴᓇᔭᐅᔪᖅ) is a proposed 15-30 megawatt hydropower plant along the Kuugaluk River, about 60 km northeast of Iqaluit. Led by Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation (NNC), an Inuit-owned renewable energy developer, the project would replace the city’s use of imported diesel-generated electricity with affordable, reliable and emissions-free power.
Regular engagement with Rights Holders and impacted groups continues at project decision points.
Quick facts
- 100% Inuit-Led: Project is led by the Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation, a wholly Inuit-owned developer.
- Energy security for the city of Iqaluit: Provides a critical foundation for long-term energy security and sovereignty for Nunavut’s territorial capital and largest community.
- Emissions reduction: Projected to replace an estimated 15 million litres of diesel annually, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Grid stability: Adds 15–30 MW of hydroelectric power, stabilizing the local grid and hedging against volatile global fuel prices.
- Arctic infrastructure support: Offers the potential to provide clean energy to Department of National Defence facilities in Iqaluit, enhancing Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic.
Benefits
- Iqaluit currently relies on imported diesel fuel for electricity generation, equivalent to 15 million litres annually, producing an estimated 130,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
- Construction and operation of the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project will represent a significant and ongoing contribution to the Nunavut economy through local job opportunities.
- The project will replace foreign imported diesel fuel with clean, locally generated electricity and help stabilize Iqaluit electricity rates, which have increased more than 22% in the last five years.
- The project supports Indigenous-led energy transition, economic reconciliation, advances Inuit self-determination, and Inuit-led priorities.
Latest updates
- On November 13, 2025, the project was referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO).
- The MPO is working with the NNC to support project development and data collection activities.
- The MPO is also working to identify relevant federal regulatory and permitting requirements, and assessing other mechanisms that would help advance the project.
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