Partners celebrate Ribbon Cutting of the Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project in Naujaat
Northern Energy Capital
Published September 16, 2026
Credit: Stewart Burnett
Naujaat, Nunavut (September 16, 2026) A major milestone in Nunavut’s transition toward cleaner energy was celebrated today as Kivalliq Alternative Energy (KAE), the Hamlet of Naujaat, Sakku Investments Corporation, Northern Energy Capital and Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) marked the completion of the Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project.
The project is the first completed under QEC’s Independent Power Producer (IPP) program and the first IPP project to supply renewable electricity to QEC.
Credit: Stewart Burnett
Community leaders, Elders, government officials and project partners gathered in Naujaat for a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the completion of the project, which began supplying electricity to Naujaat’s power grid on August 20, 2026.
The Ikayuut project combines a 1.4-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic system with a 1-megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System. It is expected to generate approximately 1.6 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually and displace approximately 30% or 400,000 litres of Naujaat’s imported diesel each year.
Over its anticipated 25- to 30-year lifespan, the project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The battery system will support the stability of Naujaat’s electrical grid and enable QEC to reduce diesel generation during periods of high solar production.
"The completion of the Ikayuut project is an exciting milestone for Naujaat and for the evolution of renewable energy across Nunavut," said the Honourable Dr. Gwen Healey Akearok, Minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corporation. "It reflects the core of Ikajuqtigiikta — the spirit of helping one another — through Inuit leadership, community partnership, and a shared commitment to energy security. Just as important as reducing our reliance on imported diesel is how we get there: by putting self-determination at the centre, so our energy future is shaped by the knowledge and priorities of Nunavummiut."
Credit: Stewart Burnett
KAE, an Inuit-led joint venture between Sakku Investments Corporation, the economic development arm of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, and Northern Energy Capital, developed and constructed the project. The initiative grew out of Naujaat’s 2020 Community Energy Plan, with the Hamlet supporting site selection and community engagement throughout its development.
QEC purchases the electricity generated by Ikayuut under a long-term power purchase agreement and has integrated the project into the community’s existing electrical system.
QEC’s IPP program provides a framework for independent renewable energy producers to generate and sell electricity to the Corporation. Ikayuut is the first project developed through the program to reach operation.
“Connecting Ikayuut to Naujaat’s electrical system represents an important step in QEC’s efforts to integrate more renewable energy into Nunavut’s power systems,” said Ernest Douglas, President and CEO of Qulliq Energy Corporation. “Through our Independent Power Producer program, we are creating opportunities for Inuit organizations, communities and renewable energy developers to work with QEC to reduce diesel consumption. Ikayuut demonstrates how these partnerships can bring renewable energy onto our community grids while maintaining the safety and reliability of the electricity system.”
The project also provides economic and community benefits. Approximately 8 to 12 local jobs were created during construction, with opportunities for specialized maintenance and technical training continuing during operations. The project site also repurposes land previously used as a municipal scrapyard.
“The Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project represents an important investment in Naujaat and in the future of the Kivalliq region,” said David Kakuktinniq, President and CEO of Sakku Investments Corporation. “Through our Energy Pillar, led by the Inuit-owned Nukik Corporation, Sakku is committed to developing projects that create opportunities for our communities and contribute to the Kivalliq Energy Plan. The Ikayuut Project together with Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more connected Nunavut.”
“KAE is proud to be a leader in Nunavut’s clean energy transition,” said Malek Tawashy, Director of Kivalliq Alternative Energy and President and CEO of Northern Energy Capital. “The Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project creates new opportunities for energy security and local capacity while laying the groundwork for further clean energy development in the Kivalliq region.”
Credit: Stewart Burnett
The project’s Inuktitut name, Ikayuut, meaning “help, support or resources,” was selected by the Hamlet of Naujaat Council to reflect the project’s purpose and connection to the community.
As part of the project’s community legacy, KAE distributed copies of its children’s book, The Lights of Naujaat, which supports clean energy awareness and Inuktitut language learning. Educational tours were also provided to local students, and KAE announced an annual Community Benefit Fund to support continuing education and community-led initiatives in Naujaat.
The Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project was made possible with financial contributions from the Government of Canada through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program, Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative and Low Carbon Economy Fund, as well as funding support from the Government of Nunavut.
Quick Facts
Project Impact at a Glance
Technical & Environmental Benchmark | Performance Metric |
Solar Array Capacity | 1.4 MW (approx. 2,500 PV panels) |
Battery Storage System (BESS) | 1 MWh capacity for microgrid stability and grid-forming support |
Annual Electricity Generation | ~1.6 GWh/year (approx. 30% of Naujaat's annual demand) |
Clean Energy Equivalent | Equivalent to the annual electricity use of approximately 133 homes |
Annual Fuel Displacement | Approx. 400,000 litres of imported diesel displaced per year |
Lifetime Greenhouse Gas Reduction | Approx. 30,000 tonnes CO2e over a 25- to 30-year lifespan |
Land Reclamation | Repurposed former municipal scrapyard brownfield site |
About Qulliq Energy Corporation
QEC is a territorial corporation and Nunavut’s sole provider of electricity, generating and distributing power to customers across the territory’s 25 communities. Each community operates as an independent power system, with electricity currently generated primarily using diesel fuel. QEC is working to reduce Nunavut’s reliance on diesel by supporting the development and integration of renewable energy through programs that enable communities, Inuit organizations, businesses, and other proponents to participate in Nunavut’s energy transition.
About Northern Energy Capital (NEC)
Northern Energy Capital (NEC) is a leading renewable energy project developer in the Arctic. Established in 2015, NEC is dedicated to empowering northern and remote communities in their transition from fossil fuel consumers to clean energy producers. NEC has become the development partner of choice for off-grid and remote communities seeking to achieve energy independence through locally owned and locally produced renewable energy.
About Sakku Investments Corporation
Sakku Investments Corporation is committed to growing economic opportunities and building long-term prosperity across the Kivalliq region as the economic development arm of the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA). Through its six strategic pillars - Housing, Health, Energy, Mining, Telecommunications and Transportation, Sakku develops businesses, partnerships and investments that strengthen the regional economy, build local capacity, and create lasting benefits for Kivalliq communities.
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