Infrastructure Bank advising on NWT Hydro project
August 28, 2019
By
CCE
Once operational, the new 60 MW Taltson generating station has the potential to eliminate an estimated 240,000 tonnes of green house gas emissions annually.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank is making its first foray into the hydroelectricity market with the signing of an advisory services engagement on the proposed Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project proposed by the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT).
The Infrastructure Bank will assist the GNWT in developing the project’s financial structure and business case.
The Northwest Territories has two isolated electricity transmission systems to service the North Slave (Snare Grid) and South Slave (Taltson Grid) regions. The GNWT plans to expand the existing Taltson generating station by constructing a new 60 megawatt hydroelectric facility and 270km of transmission lines to connect the two electrical systems.
Once operational, the new Taltson generating station has the potential to eliminate an estimated 240,000 tonnes of green house gas emissions annually by replacing existing diesel power generation. It will also increase electricity reliability in the regions.
CIB’s work could lead to a future investment in the project, subject to all standard due diligence and decision making.
“The Government’s innovative hydroelectric proposal has the potential to produce a substantial amount of reliable, emissions-free renewable power for an area that includes 75 per cent of the Northwest Territories’ population. This advisory engagement is an important step towards making this project happen,” said Pierre Lavallée, President and CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank, in a media release.
