Inuit-led Hope Bay Wind Project in Nunavut receives $20 million CIB loan
- Project expected to generate long-term revenues for the Kitikmeot Inuit
- 4.2 MW wind turbine and 4 MW battery energy storage system supports decarbonization of one of Canada’s northernmost mines
- Expected to cut diesel use by up to three million litres annually
Hope Bay – The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has reached financial close on a $20 million project loan to the Kitikmeot Tugliq Limited Partnership (KTLP), an Inuit-led partnership between the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KitIA) and Tugliq Energy, to advance the Hope Bay Wind Project. The project is a renewable energy initiative that will supply power to Agnico Eagle Mines Limited’s (Angico Eagle) Hope Bay operation in Nunavut’s Kitikmeot Region.
Located adjacent to the Hope Bay mine, the renewable energy project includes a 4.2-megawatt wind turbine and a 4-megawatt battery energy storage system to support operations at one of Canada’s northernmost mines, which recently achieved a positive investment decision.
Under a long-term power purchase agreement with Agnico Eagle, the project will support Inuit participation, skills development and economic opportunities in one of Canada’s most remote regions.
The wind energy and storage system is expected to reduce diesel-based electricity generation by up to three million litres annually and improve energy security. Electricity generated will be integrated into the mine’s conventional energy system to help power construction and mining operations, lowering direct and indirect emissions by approximately 13,000 tonnes annually and reducing fuel transportation in the Arctic.
The project represents an important first step in integrating renewable energy into Hope Bay's power supply and lays a foundation for future clean energy development in the district.
Inuit community members will gain expertise in renewable energy through education, skills development and employment opportunities. The project is expected to create 15 jobs during peak construction and deliver long-term economic benefits through a profit-sharing model that advances economic reconciliation well beyond the construction period.
The CIB’s loan helps address the significant upfront capital costs associated with the buildout of clean energy infrastructure in northern and remote regions and complements a $25 million contribution from Natural Resources Canada through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program.
The investment marks the CIB's second project in Nunavut, following its $6.7 million loan towards Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Wind in Sanikiluaq, further advancing Indigenous-led infrastructure and clean energy development across the territory.
Available in Inuinnaqtun upon request / Piinnarialgit Inuinnaqtun tughiqtaukpat
Our partnership with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and Tugliq Energy marks the CIB’s third energy investment in the North and reflects our commitment to Inuit-led development of clean energy infrastructure. The Hope Bay Wind Project will deliver lasting economic benefits, create new career opportunities in the Kitikmeot Region and reduce reliance on diesel in the Arctic. It's a strong example of how infrastructure can help advance economic reconciliation and meet our shared aspiration to decarbonize electricity supply.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank’s investment in the Hope Bay Wind Project demonstrates how we can build clean energy infrastructure while creating lasting economic opportunities in the North. This Inuit-led project will reduce reliance on diesel, support local jobs and businesses, and ensure the benefits of clean energy investment stay in the Kitikmeot Region for generations to come.
Canada’s North is foundational to our sovereignty and home to enormous economic opportunity and natural resources. By investing $25 million in the Inuit-led Hope Bay Wind Project, we’re helping build the energy infrastructure that will support mining and economic growth in Nunavut, reduce reliance on imported and high-carbon diesel, and create lasting jobs and revenues for Inuit communities. This is how we build Canada strong: by partnering with Indigenous communities, developing our resources responsibly, and strengthening our energy and economic security for all Canadians.
The Hope Bay Wind Project is a strong example of Inuit-led development that supports economic opportunity, energy security and sustainability in the Arctic. Investments like this help build a stronger and more prosperous North.
The Hope Bay Wind Project reflects the leadership and vision of Inuit in building a stronger future for Nunavut. By creating local opportunities and advancing clean energy, this project will deliver lasting benefits for the Kitikmeot Region.
The Hope Bay Wind Project highlights the importance Inuit place on investment in infrastructure, particularly alternative energy infrastructure that supports our cultural beliefs in responsible stewardship of our Nuna and the Arctic. The partnership between Kitikmeot Corporation and Tugliq Energy is not only about transitioning energy use from conventional diesel to alternative wind energy, it is also a partnership intended to grow the Inuit labor market with new skills along with increased investment in Hope Bay and the Kitikmeot Region. We believe this is the start of greater investment and economic impacts within the region for years to come.
The Hope Bay Wind project shows what's possible when Inuit partnership and clean energy infrastructure come together in the Arctic. Kitikmeot Corporation and Tugliq Energy are cutting diesel use, building local skills, and creating lasting value for the Kitikmeot Region. This project also lays the groundwork for further renewable energy deployment in the Hope Bay mining district.
This project marks an important milestone for Hope Bay and demonstrates the value of strong partnerships in advancing innovative energy solutions in Canada's North. Through our collaboration with Kitikmeot Corporation and Tugliq Energy, we are supporting an Inuit-led initiative that will help reduce diesel consumption, strengthen the long-term sustainability of our operations and create lasting benefits for the Kitikmeot Region. As Hope Bay continues to advance, this project establishes a foundation for future renewable energy opportunities and reinforces our commitment to responsible development in Nunavut.
