Yukon Energy cancels plans for 20MW thermal power plant

• 4 years ago (2019-10-10)
• David Flin

Distribution 107 North America 996

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Yukon Energy’s board of directors has cancelled the proposal to build a new 20MW generating station powered by fossil fuels in Yukon, Canada. Leslie Cabott, Chair of the Yukon Energy Board of Directors, said: “After considering the results of the technical, environmental, and socio-economic research, and the public feedback received, the Yukon Energy Corporation Board of Directors has decided to look at ways to avoid building a single new 20MW LNG or diesel facility. Our focus instead will be to look at options to add or replace capacity at our existing generation facilities as our fleet of diesel engines retire. In the interim, Yukon Energy will continue to rent diesel generators each winter to ensure an adequate supply of back-up power in case of an emergency.”

As part of its 20-year resource plan, Yukon Energy was hoping to have the new generating facility operational by 2022, at an estimated cost of $40-70 million, depending on the solution chosen.

Ranj Pillai, Yukon Energy Minister, reported the decision of the board of directors, and he emphasised how the Government is currently developing a climate change, energy and green economy strategy to guide the Yukon over the next 10 years. He said that the strategy is being built with the First Nations and municipalities with input from the territory’s youth.