The Taltson Hydroelectric Project will expand the existing Taltson generating station and connect the Northwest Territories’s hydroelectric systems to provide clean energy to the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province.
Quick Facts
- The Taltson River system has 200 MW of electrical generation potential.
- A 60 MW expansion of Taltson could remove 240,000 tonnes of GHG emissions annually.
- 270 km of transmission lines will connect Taltson to North Slave hydro system.
Project Phases
- Connect the Taltson Hydro System to the North Slave Hydro System and add 60 MW of capacity
- Provide clean energy to the Slave Geological Province and resource sector
- Connect the NWT electrical grid to the Southern electrical grid
Project Highlights
- The project is part of a full service infrastructure corridor concept (transportation/energy/communications) that would provide clean energy to the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province.
- Initial expansion will add 60 MW of generation capacity to the existing 18 MW facility.
- Increased generation capacity would help stabilize electricity rates for NWT residents and businesses.
- The project would provide partnership opportunities for Indigenous governments and job opportunities for Northerners.
- The 60 MW run-of-the-river expansion project would have no new flooding,
minimizing environmental impacts.
Current Status
- Approximately $2 million in federal funding was secured in late 2018 to review and update past feasibility work, and support partnerships with Indigenous governments.
- The Government of Canada committed $18 million over three years to the project in the 2019 federal budget (March).
- Work is underway to develop transmission and hydro plans, fulfill environmental responsibilities, engage stakeholders, and establish strong Indigenous partner relationships.
- Electricity markets and project timing are being defined with northern industry and southern stakeholders.
