TUKTOYAKTUK - When it's presented on paper, turbine-collected wind power seems like a perfect solution for Northern communities.

However, it's not always so simple.

In Sachs Harbour, for instance, the NWT Power Corporation had to cancel a wind turbine project several years ago.

Mayor Robert Eldridge said the propeller system kept failing, and repairs got too costly because the hamlet is located on Banks Island.

Eventually, he said, the whole project was scrapped, and the hamlet returned to its diesel generator.

"They just didn't have the know-how and the money to look after it. It was too far off the grid," Eldridge said.

In Ulukhaktok (Holman), mayor Peter Malgokak said he'd welcome wind power because the hamlet gets most of its energy from diesel.

"I think it's a good idea if it reduces the power bill," he said.

While the case of Sachs Harbour illustrates a Catch 22 of wind power - namely, that the most remote locations are also the windiest -- the GNWT is looking to promote the green technology.

The department of Industry, Tourism and Investment and the Aurora Research Institute are monitoring wind conditions across the territory for a pilot project scheduled for 2009.

While no locations have been chosen, it's likely the GWT will help invest in wind power projects such as turbines within two years.

Tuktoyaktuk hamlet councilor Jim Stevens said it sounds like a great opportunity.

"The thing is we don't have many options here," he said on April 16.

"Hydro is not an option, tidal is not an option, we can't do geothermal. Wind is the option we have," he said.

Stevens said he would like to see Tuktoyaktuk sell energy back to the NWT Power Corporation to pay the tubines' initial installation cost.

Then, he said, the hamlet could generate about 30 per cent of its power.

He added a Cold War-era surveillance platform called Dew-line Point might host the turbines, because it is already raised and has gravel.

"It's a fairly expensive project," Stevens said, adding the Tuktoyaktuk Development Corporation had also expressed interest in the project and the hamlet has met with GNWT representatives.

"What we're saying is, if there's going to be a pilot project done, we want to do it here."

While Tuktoyaktuk is less windy than some other places, specifically the Beaufort sea island communities of Ulukhaktok and Sachs Harbour, Stevens said his hamlet has advantages.

"Our wind is not as good as places like Sachs or Ulukhaktok, we figure some of the other resources are probably better off," he said, referring to the availability of ice roads for heavy equipment and accessibility to repair personnel.

Eldridge agreed with the idea, and said remote communities like Ulukhaktok and Paulatuk face a tougher battle.

"If anyone's going to get wind power first, it's going to be Tuk, probably" he said.

Stevens said he hopes wind power becomes common across the NWT.

"Once one community gets it, then we can figure out the technology and it can spread around," he said.

He said Tuktoyaktuk is especially suited for wind power; not only because of the wind, but because it's expensive to import power there.

"Tuk is actually marginal on the wind," Stevens said. "But if you consider fuel costs and things of that nature, something that is considered marginal down south might be very valuable here."