As we build a more reliable and robust grid, we know that thermal capacity, new substations and more transmission and distribution assets are required to meet the needs of Yukoners. While it might seem counterintuitive, thermal resources will play a crucial role in providing the stability needed to safely integrate more community solar and wind resources to the Yukon grid. As part of our resilient future, balancing resources like diesel generators and battery storage systems will help to stabilize the frequency of the power supply and provide power when other resources are not available.
Our plan is to build new thermal power centres near Whitehorse. The power centres will provide up to 85 megawatts of winter capacity to our system. Of this total, up to 45 megawatts will be new capacity. Once complete, these power centres will provide the dependable capacity that Yukoners can count on during the winter and serve as a reliable source of backup power to new intermittent renewables. By investing in the thermal resources we need today, we can ensure a long-term, reliable and cost-effective solution by reducing the number of rental diesel generators in operation. These power centres will also be built considering the space and electrical infrastructure needed to install more battery energy storage systems in the future. We estimate this project will cost over $100 million.
On our path to 2050, we want the flexibility to be able to respond to our electricity needs and integrate emerging technologies as they become available. If we reach a point where these thermal assets are no longer required, we will be able to sell or move them, given their modular set-up.
This work will be carried out in phases, starting in 2025. A note that these numbers are based on planning estimates from Q1 2025. Planned capacity numbers are subject to change based on load growth and as the project’s planning and design is advanced.
In 2025, we will focus on the selection of sites for the power centres, engagement with First Nations, stakeholders and the public, and environmental and socio-economic assessments.
In 2026, we will begin construction of a 15-megawatt thermal power centre in South Whitehorse.
In 2027–2028, we will start construction of the second new power centre in North Whitehorse, with up to 30 megawatts of thermal capacity. At the same time, we will start upgrading transmission and substation infrastructure around the Whitehorse area. Of the 30 megawatts installed at this location, up to 15 megawatts will be net-new.
In 2028–2029, we will expand the thermal capacity of the power centre built during Phase 2 in North Whitehorse and continue upgrades to transmission and substation infrastructure around Whitehorse.
By 2030, we will add up to 15 megawatts of net-new thermal capacity to the site, and by 2035, we will add up to an additional 15 megawatts of net-new thermal capacity on-site.