Sustainable and robust energy systems for Indigenous remote communities in Canada’s Arctic

Threatened by local and global catastrophic effects of climate change, the Indigenous remote communities in Canada’s Arctic are now warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. Along with other factors contributing to the rising temperature, this is also due to the continuous burning of fossils fuels for their energy needs. Specifically, diesel generators are the primary source of electricity and heat to over 50 communities in the Northern territories of Canada. It is reliable but it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other airborne pollutants that are harmful for the people and environment. It also elevates the risk of oil spills during fuel transport and storage. In addition, electricity prices in the North are significantly higher than the rest of the country due to the high-priced air shipping cost associated with delivering fuels. As a result, the government is financially burdened in subsidizing the expensive fuel prices. In an effort to reduce diesel dependence, this project will contribute to the energy solutions in the North by partnering with World Wildlife Fund – Canada and looking for alternative energy solutions encompassing energy conservation and management, waste-oil-to-heat technology and increasing renewable energy penetration.

Faculty Supervisor:

Curran Crawford

Student:

Partner:

World Wildlife Fund Canada (Iqaluit, NU)

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of Victoria

Program: