Old Crow Solar Project

Solar panels and battery storage at the home of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, located 800km north of Whitehorse, inside the Arctic Circle.

The nation aims to live in symbiosis with nature and its environment, and this has turned to reducing its dependence on diesel energy. Installing 900kW of solar panels and 350kWh of battery storage—the largest solar project in the Yukon—provides the community with energy self-sufficiency and reduces its greenhouse gas emissions.

Throughout the years, Vuntut Gwitchin community leaders have invested in services they depend on—airline carriers, construction companies and power—in order to be as independent as possible. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government has been fully involved in this project and has taken a strong leadership position in managing it.

The project should generate nearly $400,000/year after financing is paid back. The Vuntut Gwitchin intend to reinvest this revenue into the community.