Six projects have been authorized by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) as part of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Grant Program.  Among these are initiatives to minimize the carbon footprint of NWT Brewing Company Ltd., a brewery with a base in Yellowknife.

The territory’s Liberal MP, Michael McLeod, stated at the announcement last Thursday that combating climate change needed collaboration. “No one can do it alone,” he said. “Today’s announcement is an important part of our investment in the Northwest Territories’ clean future.”

Although making the switch from fossil fuels to a future with reduced carbon emissions would need large expenditures, Caroline Wawzonek, minister of industry for the NWT, said the recently funded programs are “truly stepping up to the plate.”

“This is an opportunity to highlight the fact that in the North, we can be leaders,” Wawzonek said. “We might be far away, it might be difficult, but this is technology where we are really at the front end of change.”

NWT Brewing Company, according to Wawzonek, was exploring a really creative potential.

A carbon capture and utilization system, which will absorb CO2 generated during the brewing process and be utilized in the production of beer, will be purchased and installed by the brewery with the help of a $33,000 grant.

The project’s goal is to reduce emissions by 29.5 tonnes per year, mostly by lowering the amount of commercial CO2 and beer imported from outside the region.

“The installation of this carbon capture and storage system would be the first for the NWT and the first installation of this caliber in the northern territories,” said Fletcher Stevens, the brewery’s owner.

To assist programs and efforts in NWT communities aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the GNWT is contributing around $1.35 million to these projects. An estimated 633 tonnes of GHG emissions will be reduced yearly as a result of the six initiatives.

The other approved projects include:

• • • Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation – On-the-land Camp Solar and Wind Project ($77,105)
    • Deh Cho First Nations – Edéhzhíe Solar Project ($108,205)
    • Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment – North Arm Territorial Park Campground Electrification ($255,000)
    • 6133 NWT Ltd. – Revitalization of the Yellowknife Post Office Building ($300,000)
    • Borealis Development Inc. – The NEST ($600,000)

The GHG Grant Program is a grant program that is based on applications and has two streams: one for governments and one for buildings and industries. For Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, community governments, municipalities, GNWT departments and agencies, corporations, industry, and non-profit organizations, the program is aimed to fund projects and activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Grants can cover up to 75% of the expenses of a qualifying project.

The GNWT and the Government of Canada are funding this program through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund.

SOURCE: Cabin Radio
PHOTO CREDIT: GNWT