September 19, 2023

NUNATUKAVUT COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELPS TWO COMMUNITIES FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE WITH SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAPPY VALLEY–GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, September 19, 2023 – St. Lewis and Black Tickle have taken steps to become less reliant on diesel as their newly-installed solar panels begin converting sunlight to electricity this month. NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC), in collaboration with the two communities, has reached the final phase of a solar demonstration project that will align NCC’s energy initiatives to directly respond to the changing climate of our world today.

The solar panels have been installed on the roofs of the community halls. The halls are hubs of activity within the communities of Black Tickle and St. Lewis and would, therefore, have a larger impact on diesel consumption and costs associated with powering their operation. The project is one of multiple projects like this across Canada and there are many cases of rooftop solar designs being successful in other sub-arctic climates.

The solar demonstration project is part of a larger four-year initiative, funded by the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODC) and Clean Energy in Indigenous, Rural, and Remote Communities fund. It aims to reduce diesel reliance in remote Indigenous communities like St. Lewis and Black Tickle, which are completely dependent on fossil fuels like diesel for heat and power. NCC champions initiatives that seek to self-determine our energy future on our lands, ice and waters through a community-driven process. This involves meaningful engagement with NunatuKavut Inuit and communities and ensuring that any energy development is based on Inuit needs, priorities and values.   

NCC, energy experts, and the contractors involved with the solar demonstration project conducted a site review and commissioned or “energized” the system in Black Tickle on Tuesday, September 11 and completed the same process in St. Lewis on Thursday, September 14. NCC hosted community gatherings in each location to mark the break from diesel-dependence, and to celebrate moving towards a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable way of using and producing energy in NunatuKavut communities.

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Quick Facts

• NCC is the representative governing body for approximately 6,000 Inuit who reside primarily in south and central Labrador. In July 2018, NCC entered into talks with the Government of Canada on the Recognition of its Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination (RIRSD). In September 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed.
• There are over 200 remote communities in Canada that rely on diesel, many of which are Indigenous.
• NCC hired Green Sun Rising to complete a turn-key design, supply, and installation services for the two 18.36 kWpDC solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, for a total combined system output of 36.72 kWpDC.
• The solar panel demonstration project began in 2019, with construction completed in both communities on August 26, 2023. 
• Fossil fuels like diesel contribute to climate change, loss of habitat and loss of biodiversity. This impacts Inuit communities on many fronts; from changing ice and snow conditions that affect travel across traditional routes, to endangering plants and animals that are important to cultural practices and community life.

Quotes

“We must move from energy projects that are simply built on our territory, to projects which are truly led by, with and for NunatuKavut Inuit.  We need to self-determine our energy future together and equip ourselves for a clean and sustainable future that is not only better financially, but also addresses issues such as climate change, that affect us all. We are so proud of the work we have done with NunatuKavut Inuit and communities, as well as the researchers and energy leaders who have come on board.” 
– Todd Russell, President of NunatuKavut Community Council

“In the very early planning of our town centre, one idea was to incorporate some sort of green energy to help supplement the hydro cost of a larger building. Thanks to NCC and the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program, we are excited that it became possible. As a council, we hope that this is just a start and that we can make full use of the energy that these solar panels generate.”
– Helen Poole, Mayor of St. Lewis

“The Local Service District of Black Tickle is very pleased to be part of the solar demonstration project in our community.  We hope similar projects can happen in our community over time, which will help us depend less on the diesel power plant in the community.”
– Joe Keefe, Chair of the Local Service District of Black Tickle

Media Contact

Kelly Broomfield
Chief of Communications
T. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca

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