Media Releases
Oct 17, 2011
CanNor Invests in Alternative Energy Research for Yukon
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health today announced funding for new research into long-term, clean energy options for Yukon.
“Projects that examine alternative, renewable energy options are important in planning for the long-term sustainability of Northern communities,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Moving forward with investments in clean energy research will help us balance our need for energy in growing sectors such as resource development, with our need to protect the environment.”
“New research will assist Yukon Energy Corporation develop a long-term energy plan for the territory,” said Ryan Leef, Yukon Member of Parliament. “Positive results from this research could lead to new project development, which in turn could create jobs, new businesses and build capacity.”
Support from CanNor will enable Yukon Energy Corporation to carry out public engagement sessions with Yukoners and undertake new research into various types of alternative energy such as geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar. It will also support a feasibility study and business plan to examine the viability of using waste recovery technology to convert municipal waste into electrical energy for the Yukon.
“As the demand for energy grows, we are looking at all possible options for meeting that need with electricity that is affordable, reliable, environmentally responsible and flexible,” said Yukon Energy Corporation president David Morrison. “I want to thank CanNor for this significant contribution, which will help us work with Yukoners to plan a clean energy future.”
This investment is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.
SINED is one of several economic development initiatives within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.
For copies of CanNor news releases, visit: www.cannor.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca and for more information on Canada’s Northern Strategy, visit www.northernstrategy.ca.
For further information see backgrond information below or please contact:
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Cailin Rodgers
(613) 957-0200
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Erin Macpherson
Communications Advisor
867-667-3849
Yukon Energy Corporation
Janet Patterson
Supervisor, Communications
867-393-5333
janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
Background information:
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing a total of $425,000 in the Yukon Energy Corporation to undertake two projects which will examine options for long-term, clean energy solutions for the Yukon.
Waste to Energy Project
CanNor Funding: $225,000
Yukon Energy Corporation: $225,000
Funding will be used to carry out a feasibility study and develop a business plan related to waste recovery technology that would convert municipal garbage into electrical energy. If the feasibility study demonstrates that there is potential to recover waste at the facility, the project could have many positive economic and environmental benefits for Yukon. Outcomes could include the development of a wood pellet industry, a new market for waste wood, and using trees affected by spruce beetle. This project also has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease the waste at Yukon landfills.
Energy Charrette and Research Project
CanNor funding: $200,000
Yukon Energy Corporation: $170,000
CanNor funding will be used for research and public engagement activities to examine various energy options for Yukon. YEC will be hosting community meetings in Mayo, Dawson City and Haines Junction to discuss alternative energy options and issues. As well, research will be conducted into new hydro, thermal, wind, geothermal, solar, natural gas, and other alternative forms of energy.
CanNor’s investment also supported an energy charrette hosted by YEC in Whitehorse in March 2011. The charrette brought nationally recognized energy experts from across Canada to present information to Yukoners on energy resource options and energy conservation programs. Over 75 Yukon stakeholders participated in the charrette representing federal, territorial, First Nation and municipal governments as well as industry, business, and members of the community. The charrette was an opportunity for Yukoners and YEC to participate in focused discussions on Yukon’s energy future.
Yukon Energy Corporation
Established in 1987, the Yukon Energy Corporation is a publicly owned electrical utility that operates at arms length from the Yukon government. YEC is the main generator and transmitter of electrical energy in Yukon and works with its parent company, Yukon Development Corporation to provide Yukoners with energy services.
CanNor Programs
This investment is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.
SINED is one of several economic development initiatives within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.
