Taltson Hydro Expansion

The Taltson Hydro Expansion is a partnership between the Deninu Kųę́ First Nation, Fort Resolution Métis Government, Fort Smith Métis Council, Hay River Métis Government Council, Łutsel K’e Dene First Nation, Northwest Territories Métis Nation, Salt River First Nation, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The proposed 60 MW expansion would double the Northwest Territories’ hydro capacity and help create a unified northern electricity grid. The project would deliver clean, reliable power to 11 communities – serving approximately 70% of NWT residents – while supporting electrification in homes, transportation, and industry across the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province.

Contents

Back to top

Project Phases

  • Add 60 MW of generation capacity to the existing Taltson hydro system and connect it to the Snare hydro system through a new transmission line.
  • Deliver clean hydroelectric power to the Slave Geological Province to support community energy needs and resource development.
  • Connect the NWT electrical grid to Alberta or Saskatchewan to strengthen long-term energy security.
Back to top

Project Highlights

  • The expansion will add 60 MW of capacity to the existing 22 MW

  • Expands the Taltson hydro system and connects it with the Snare system to create a more integrated northern electricity grid.

  • Delivers clean, reliable power to 11 communities, serving roughly 70% of the NWT population.

  • Creates partnership and economic opportunities for Indigenous governments and employment opportunities for NWT residents

  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 240,000 tonnes annually.

  • Reduces reliance on diesel generation and helps stabilize the cost of energy.

  • Supports transportation and industrial electrification while improving grid stability during drought conditions affecting the Snare system.

Back to top

Current Status

  • In March 2026, the Taltson Hydro Expansion was referred to the Major Projects Office.
  • The Government of Canada has committed $48 million to the project since 2019.
  • Collaboration continues with the Akaitcho Dene First Nations, Salt River First Nation, and Northwest Territories Métis Nation under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021.
  • Work is underway to define commercial arrangements, ownership structure, and the project footprint, including transmission and hydro infrastructure planning.
Back to top

Next Steps

  • Work with the Major Projects Office to advance nation-building projects faster and more responsibly to help connect our economy, diversify our industries and trade, and create high-paying careers for generations to come. 
  • Develop commercial agreements and ownership structures with Canada, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Indigenous government partners, and the GNWT.
  • Initiate an Environmental Assessment application to obtain regulatory approvals required for construction.
  • Continue engagement on land use, Indigenous Knowledge, winter road access to Nonacho Lake, and transmission line routing.
Back to top