Wekwèti’s senior administrative officer is seeking funding from both the territorial and federal governments for a biomass district heating project in the community. Fred Behrens has identified opportunities to apply for financial support from the territorial government’s GHG Grant Program and the federal government’s Build Communities Strong Fund.
The project entails establishing a heat plant near the community government office in Wekwèti, located 200 kilometers north of Yellowknife and housing around 100 residents. The facility will house three 300-kilowatt biomass boilers that will distribute heat to 44 homes and 11 institutional buildings through an underground network of pipes.
Behrens mentioned that the biomass district heating system will primarily utilize materials obtained from forest thinning and wildfire prevention efforts in the area. Additionally, the boilers will be linked to the community’s diesel generators, utilizing their exhaust as an additional heat source.
The estimated cost of the project is between $15 million and $20 million, with projected savings of $200,000 annually on heating fuel costs for the community. Behrens anticipates the system to be operational by 2028, emphasizing the innovative use of wood chips instead of pellets, which are not produced on a commercial scale in the Northwest Territories.
Community members, including Benjamin Pea’a and Trent Rabesca, expressed their support for the project, recognizing its environmental and cost-saving benefits. The initiative aligns with previous forest protection efforts funded by the N.W.T. government, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainability in Wekwèti.
During a presentation to the N.W.T.’s economic development and environment committee, Behrens outlined the project’s readiness for implementation and the search for capital funding. Discussions included considerations for supplying heat to residents at a more affordable rate compared to traditional heating fuel costs.
Overall, the biomass district heating project in Wekwèti represents a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the region, garnering support from both local officials and government representatives.