Federal government invests $5.4M in Yukon clean energy projects

The Government of Canada has announced it is investing $5.6 million in five community-led clean energy projects in Yukon.

According to a press release, the money will help communities reduce their reliance on diesel fuel for heat and power, while also creating new jobs.

Here is a breakdown of the investments:

• Carcross/Tagish First Nation will receive $2.1 million to install a biomass district heating system that will replace existing electric and fossil fuel heating systems in five buildings.
• The Yukon Conservation Society will get $1.6 million to determine the feasibility of utility-controlled electric thermal storage heaters.
• Another $800,000 will go to Teslin Tlingit Council to build a biomass district heating system for eight new duplexes.
• $574,000 will go to the Government of Yukon, which will work with First Nations to determine gaps that delay the deployment of energy projects in communities.
• Finally, Kluane First Nation will receive $345,9900 to create a forest resources management plan that will help them meet their current and future biomass heating needs.

Funding for the projects comes from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program.

“Biomass technology presents economic opportunities for the TTC and its citizens while reducing forest fire risks around Teslin and its Traditional Territory. The ultimate goal of the Teslin Community Energy Strategy is to provide the community with the complete means to be energy self-sufficient,” said Chief Richard Sidney, Teslin Tlingit Council, in a statement.

“The Kluane First Nation Forest Resources Management Plan project strengthens Kluane First Nation’s ability to self-govern in a planned and measured way. The project has strengthened community resilience through the identification of local resources for biomass heating, as well as provided our community with valuable skills in the forestry sector that will see many benefits into the future. Kluane First Nation would like to express appreciation to Natural Resources Canada for its support of this project,” added Chief Bob Dickson, Kluane First Nation.