The completed Haeckel Hill Wind Farm Project in Yukon will soon commence powering up to 650 homes per year with clean electricity. The wind turbines are expected to produce enough clean energy to remove the equivalent of more than 40 million litres of diesel fuel, which offsets up to 115,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from the Yukon.
The total cost to complete the project was $29.8 million. The Government of Canada has invested over $13 million through the Arctic Energy Fund of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program; nearly $5 million through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor); and nearly $10 million through Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program (CERRC). The Eagle Hill Energy Limited Partnership (fully owned by Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s development corporation Chu Níikwän LP) has invested more than $2 million worth of in-kind work.
“Our government is committed to helping build strong, resilient and sustainable Yukon communities,” said Minister of the Yukon Development Corporation John Streicker. “The Haeckel Hill Wind Project will offset the rising carbon emissions caused by the Yukon’s growing energy demand. Thank you to the Government of Canada for the continued funding support of infrastructure projects that make the Yukon a better place to live.
The 4.0 MW Haeckel Hill Wind Project is a model of how First Nations, federal, and territorial governments can work together to diversify and expand the sources of the clean energy the territory needs to grow.
“Long ago, cultural knowledge shared by Elders told of how Kwanlin Dün Citizens have harvested energy from the land and water for the people’s needs for thousands of years. Based on those traditional values, Kwanlin Dün continues that important relationship with the land and water to create energy our communities use year-round but in a new and responsible way,” said Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith.
“Today, Kwanlin Dün’s corporation Chu Niíkwan has developed this project, meaning good clean renewable energy is being produced on Thäy Täw, in the heart of our Traditional Territory for our community. It makes me proud to support this project that will provide for years to come.
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- Longer blades: Thirty per cent larger blades to harness more wind energy with each rotation.
- Taller turbines: A height increase from 37 m to 46 m (three stories) was done to access stronger airflow.
- Advanced de-icing technology: Black blades and blade heating systems are used to increase energy production potential during and after icing conditions.
- Powerful generators: A power increase from 600 kilowatts to 1,000 kilowatts to maximize energy production.
Electrical commissioning and communications testing activities are underway. The turbines are expected to start spinning and generating energy for the Yukon grid in the late fall.
Featured image credit: Getty Images
