An Inuit-owned hydroelectric facility in Inukjuak, Nunavik, has replaced most of the Arctic community's diesel power generation.

The project marks a significant shift toward energy sovereignty for Indigenous populations in northern Quebec. By transitioning to renewable energy, the community reduces its dependence on expensive, carbon-intensive fuel shipments that are often subject to the volatility of Arctic weather.

The Innavik Project utilizes a run-of-river system with a total capacity of 7.5 MW [1]. This infrastructure allows the community to harness local water flow to generate electricity without the need for large-scale damming. According to project data, the facility has cut diesel use by about 80 percent [1].

Inukjuak is located in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec. For decades, remote communities in this area have relied almost exclusively on diesel generators to maintain heat and power during extreme winters. The implementation of the Innavik Project addresses the environmental risks associated with transporting and storing large quantities of fuel in a fragile ecosystem.

Beyond the immediate reduction in emissions, the project is designed to advance Indigenous energy sovereignty. By owning and operating the utility, the community gains direct control over its power sources, and long-term energy costs. This model serves as a blueprint for other off-grid settlements across the Canadian North seeking to decouple their economies from fossil fuel imports.

The facility remains the largest off-grid Inuit-owned hydroelectric project in Canada [2]. While some diesel generation is maintained for backup and peak demand, the primary load is now serviced by the run-of-river system.

“The project has replaced most of the community’s diesel generation”

The Innavik Project demonstrates the technical viability of run-of-river hydro in Arctic climates, providing a scalable model for reducing the high cost and environmental impact of diesel-dependent remote grids. It shifts the economic power of energy production from external fuel suppliers to local Indigenous ownership.