Sachs Harbour, N.W.T. — The federal and territorial governments have announced funding for construction of a new diesel power plant in Sachs Harbour, N.W.T.
A recent statement said the facility’s design will allow for the addition of a wind turbine in the future. The new plant is expected to result in a greenhouse gas savings of 283 tonnes and improve fuel efficiency by 18 per cent compared with the existing plant.
The Government of Canada is contributing $7.4 million, with the Government of the Northwest Territories allocating $2.4 million. The project is being funded through the new federal Arctic Energy Fund.
“Infrastructure is the foundation of strong and resilient communities. The construction of the new Sachs Harbour Diesel Power Plant will provide the community with an efficient and reliable source of energy, safeguarding the environment and well-being of northerners in the area,” commented Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, in the statement.
How does another diesel plant “help safeguard the environment?” CBC just issued this article related to the report of climate change in Canada from Environment and Climate Change Canada: https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/climate-report-1.5081643
Quote from the former environmental commissioner;
“The use of diesel in the North in snowy areas has an extraordinary effect at melting snow because it lets out these little soot particles that absorb heat into the air and darkens the snow.”
I understand that the new plant will bring improvements to the amount of carbon emissions, but saying its going to protect the environment is a stretch.