The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) are partnering to deliver the Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project, a proposed project that has 200 megawatts of electrical generation potential.
The GNWT has two isolated electricity transmission systems to service the North Slave (Snare Grid) and South Slave (Taltson Grid) regions in Canada. It plans to expand the existing 18-megawatt Taltson generating station by constructing a new 60-megawatt, clean energy hydroelectric facility and 270 kilometers (167.7 miles) of transmission lines to join the two electrical systems.
Once operational, the new Taltson generating station has the potential to eliminate an estimated 240,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually by replacing existing diesel power generation. It also will increase electricity reliability in the regions.
The project is part of a full-service infrastructure corridor concept that would provide clean energy to the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province, according to the GNWT.
CIB, which has specialized infrastructure expertise, will assist the GNWT in developing the project’s financial structure and business case. CIB said its work could lead to a future investment in the project, subject to all standard due diligence and decision making.
The Government of Canada also committed C$18 million ($13.5 million) over three years to the project in the 2019 federal budget, compiled in March, according to GNWT.
Work is already under way to develop transmission and hydro plans, fulfill environmental responsibilities, engage with stakeholders, and establish Indigenous partner relationships.
