Innavik Hydroelectric project
In the past couple of months, the lights in Inukjuak have been shining a little greener. The Innavik run-of-river hydroelectric dam, functional as of last fall, is providing energy efficient electricity to the community of Inukjuak. While Hydro-Québec’s diesel facility will be kept for emergency back-up, most of the energy needs of the community will be met by this clean energy source.
The Innavik project is a partnership between the Pituvik Landholding Corporation and Innergex, aiming to replace most of the need for diesel generated power in Inukjuak. With community consultations starting in 2009, the project was adapted specifically to the needs and concerns of the community. Following the 2019 public consultations led by the Kativik Environmental Quality Commission, community opinion led to choosing a small scale, run-of-river dam where the impact on fish habitat is expected to be minimal. The Innavik website states that 700,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases could be avoided over 40 years with this hydroelectricity project. This is similar to removing 140,000 cars from the road for a year! The use of hydroelectricity in the community will also improve the air quality and lessen the risks of diesel and oil spills. The community is also considering using the excess energy generated by the dam to power a greenhouse to grow food locally.
The Kativik Environmental Advisory Committee held their 175th meeting in Inukjuak and had the chance to not only meet with the Pituvik Landholding Corporation, but also to visit the project site. In the crisp cold of February 2023, the committee had the pleasure of touring the nearly finished dam and the facility’s interior. The KEAC was happy to witness first-hand an Inuit-lead project that highlights the sustainability and adaptability of a community.
