Energy

Energy. It powers our communities, heats our homes, and fuels our transportation.

The GNWT’s Energy Division works with partners to make sure everyone in the NWT has access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. The Division’s focus is to:

  • Secure funding for energy efficiency and conservation projects.
  • Research and study energy issues and new technologies.
  • Develop government policies to guide energy activities in the NWT.

The insights below into the NWT’s energy landscape and emission trends are crucial for guiding sustainable energy policies and initiatives in the North.

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NWT Energy Supply and Demand

  • Primary Energy Supply: Fossil fuels accounted for 85% of the NWT's energy supply, with transportation and industry being major consumers.
  • Primary Energy Demand: Transportation uses the most energy, with industry also driving high demand, mainly relying on refined petroleum. Buildings use a mix of electricity and heating fuels like oil and propane, with biomass growing as a heating option.
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Power Generation

Unlike most of Canada, the NWT is not connected to the North American electrical grid, so each community must generate its own electricity. Communities outside of the two hydroelectric grids—the Snare system in the North Slave and the Taltson system in the South Slave—rely on fossil fuels, like diesel and natural gas.

  • Hydroelectricity: Hydroelectric facilities supplied 71% of community electricity, while diesel, natural gas generators, and liquified natural gas powered non-connected communities.
  • Renewable Energy: Wind and solar electricity generation, are emerging in NWT communities.
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Energy Transition Challenges in the NWT

  • Unique Circumstances: The NWT's vast geography, low population density, and extreme winter temperatures pose challenges for energy transition.
  • Balancing trade-offs: Balancing energy reliability, affordability, and sustainability is crucial. Investments in infrastructure and efficiency aim to achieve climate commitments while keeping costs stable.
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Low-Carbon Technologies in the North

  • Cost challenges: Implementing low-carbon technologies in the NWT incurs higher costs due to scale and climate factors.
  • Federal Support: Continued federal support is vital for transitioning energy systems towards sustainability.
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NWT Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

  • GNWT made a commitment in October 2024 to achieve Net-Zero by 2050.
  • Progress towards target:
    • Annual emissions vary with economic activity and climate, but overall have decreased in the NWT by 22% since 2005.
    • Modeling indicates the NWT is on track to meet its 2030 goal, partly due to a projected decrease in mining activity in the late 2020s.
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Where does your Energy come from? 

To download and print a community energy use poster, click here.

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