Renewable energies, produced in particular by wind turbines, will allow the Inuit to free themselves from fossil fuels, thanks to a partnership between Hydro-Québec and Énergies Tarquti.
This partnership was described as “historic” by Sophie Brochu, President and CEO of Hydro-Québec, during the announcement Monday morning at the Maison du développement durable in Montreal.
“What is remarkable today is that Hydro-Québec is truly partnering with the people of these communities,” explained Ms. Brochu, adding that “more and more communities now want to be partners in rights in business decisions, investments and transactions that affect them.
The CEO of Hydro-Québec said she was “extremely proud” of the agreement and she specified that “this is how we have to work in the future”.
The word “pride” was also uttered by Inuit activist Sheila Watt-Cloutier, during a speech at the Maison du développement durable.
“This project will create jobs, but also a lot of pride, especially among young people in the community. »
She noted how the culture and health of northern communities were being affected by climate change and that becoming partially fossil fuel free gave her “a lot of hope”.
Wind power will replace diesel
Several Nunavik communities still mainly use diesel to supply electricity from Hydro-Québec, but this new agreement will allow Nunavik Inuit to create “their own renewable energy projects that respect the environment and Nunavimmiut values”. », according to Energies Tarquti.
Currently, Hydro-Québec operates some 20 thermal power stations to supply electricity to remote communities, which cannot be connected to the main grid. These plants represent less than 1% of Hydro-Québec’s production, but they are responsible for about 43% of its greenhouse gas emissions, according to the state corporation.
Regarding the new agreement, Sophie Brochu has no specific timetable, “it’s really the communities that will set the pace,” she explained. However, Hydro-Québec wants to convert all of its off-grid networks to 80% renewable supply by 2030.
“We will offer them our support and our expertise throughout the process,” said the President and CEO of Hydro-Québec.
Mary Johannes, president of Ilagiisaq, which is one of the shareholders of Tarquti, indicated that “there is no doubt that Hydro-Québec’s openness and willingness to listen played a major role in the conclusion of this historic agreement.
12 out of 14 communities
About 13,000 people live in Nunavik, which is divided into 14 communities.
“The agreement reached with Hydro-Québec covers 12 of the 14 Inuit communities in Nunavik,” explained Joé Lance, General Manager of Énergies Tarquti.
“Those not included are Inukjuak and Kuujjuarapik-Whapmagootsui. On the other hand, nothing prevents us from developing projects also in these communities”, he specified.