Providing energy to meet the needs of Northern households, communities, and industry in Canada’s three territories is difficult, but critically important. Currently, imported fossil fuels provide a large percentage of the heat and power used in Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon. Dependence on imported fossil fuels puts us at an economic disadvantage; the three territories are vulnerable to high costs, price volatility and supply disruptions. The burning of these fuels also emits greenhouse gases that contribute to the changing climate that is affecting the North.
At the 2009 Northern Premiers’ Forum, the three territorial Premiers committed to developing an inventory of current and future renewable energy resources. This inventory describes the current state of renewable energy use in the territories, outlines actions being taken and describes policies under development to increase renewable energy use in the North. Finally, the inventory highlights the geographic and policy contexts faced by each territory that shape our distinct opportunities and challenges in the development of renewable energy.
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