Whitehorse Diesel Replacement Project

The project

To support energy security in the Yukon, Yukon Energy is replacing diesel generators in Faro, Dawson and Whitehorse that have either already retired, or will eventually reach end-of-life, with newer more efficient models.

In 2019, we retired three of our diesel generators in Whitehorse that were located inside the blue building that houses our owned diesel generators (highlighted in image below) at the Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station. Now, we are replacing these diesel generators with newer, more efficient diesel generators totaling the same capacity. The new generators will be located in front of the blue building in Yukon Energy's parking lot, near the rental diesel generators (indicated in image below with an 'x').

Because we are not adding diesel generation or moving the generators to a new site, a Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board assessment was not required. The new generators will be run in accordance with Yukon Energy’s current air emissions permit for the site.

The replacement generators will be housed in modular blue containers, like in the image below.

Our existing on-site diesel storage meets strict regulatory requirements and includes best industry practices for fuel storage and handling.

Timeline

Work to clear the area and get it ready for the replacement generators started in June 2025. The generators are expected to be in-service by winter 2025/26.

Why diesel?

Due to the isolated nature of our electricity system, diesel plays a critical role in Yukon’s electricity mix, helping to keep Yukoners’ homes and businesses warm and the lights on when there isn’t enough hydropower available or during emergencies. With Yukon’s growing population and increasing demands for electricity, maintaining this diesel capacity will be important for the reliability of our electricity grid in the near future.