SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A wind farm at the now defunct Giant Mine is among four alternative energy projects in Yellowknife to receive a combined $406,900 helping hand from the federal government last week.

City councillor Mark Heyck stands near Con Mine, where the city hopes to create a geothermal plant. He said with all of the alternative energy projects taking place in Yellowknife, the city is becoming a role model for the rest of the country. - Nicole Veerman/NNSL photo

The Deton Cho Corporation, the economic development arm of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, received $150,000 from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) to complete a feasibility study for a proposed wind energy project on the cliffs above the former mine site.

"This wind energy project is an exciting one that we have been planning for more than five years," said Ric Bolivar, director of the corporation. "We are confident that wind turbines at Giant Mine can generate enough electricity to fully support the arsenic freezing remediation activities there."

Bolivar said he can't give any further details on the project because of new developments that aren't yet finalized.

Deton Cho will be partnering with Ryfan Wind Inc. for the study, which will research the technical and economic viability of the project. Activities will include installing a wind tower, collecting and analyzing data, conducting regulatory studies, and developing stakeholder and investor engagement materials.

The City of Yellowknife received funding for two green energy projects.

The largest chunk of funding was $151,900 for the development of a business case for the proposed construction of a geothermal energy source at the former Con Mine site.

If the project proceeds, the energy produced will heat 39 buildings in the downtown core and displace up to 7.5 million litres of heating oil, reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 18,000 tonnes.

The city also received $65,000 to establish a project team, consult with the public and stakeholders, select a building site, develop a design and project scope, and finalize project sponsors for a multi-unit building it plans to construct, called the Equilibrium House.

The project will use state of the art technologies, high efficiency electrical fixtures and water saving devices to show builders, the construction industry and training institutions sustainable building is a good business practice.

City councillor Mark Heyck said the building will also provide some affordable housing for the city.

The city's two projects fit into its goal of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gases, he said.

"It's fantastic to see all of these types of projects coming online. It wasn't long ago that we weren't really looking at new energy technologies and now it seems every month there is a new interesting progressive project being announced or being looked at," Heyck said.

"I think Yellowknife is certainly serving as a role model for some of the innovative things communities can do."

Ecology North is receiving the remaining $40,000 in funding for a study on the feasibility of the full scale production of biodiesel from waste vegetable oil in Yellowknife.

"Ecology North is eager to help NWT residents convert waste products into valuable resources and support the development of a vibrant, local economy based on renewable energy use," said Shannon Ripley, environment scientist for the non-profit organization.

"Biodiesel production from waste vegetable oil will save valuable landfill space and create a fuel that can be used to heat homes and power diesel vehicles instead of using fossil fuel."

Funds will be used to collect and assess data, operate a biodiesel processing facility, test biodiesel quality, and to develop a final report.

With contributions from other partners, the total value of the four projects is more than $1.5 million for 2010-2011.

These investments are made possible through CanNor’s Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.

"Our government is proud to support research into alternative energy sources," said John Duncan, minister of CanNor. "The projects will enable Yellowknife and other northern communities to expand their knowledge of alternative energy applications and lead to sustainable economic development."

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