Biomass
Yukon Energy is looking at the possibility of using biomass to generate electricity. Specifically we are working with four other governments, agencies and corporations to investigate the potential of using fire kill or insect kill trees and sawmill waste in the Haines Junction area to produce power and heat buildings.
The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, the Dakwakada Development Corporation, Yukon Energy, Cold Climate Innovation of the Yukon Research Centre, and the Village of Haines Junction are investigating the potential for a small biomass plant (.5 to 2 megawatts) in the community.
If approved, the plant would provide some much-needed renewable electricity for the territory. It also has the potential to produce district heat and create economic opportunities for local businesses and corporations.
The preliminary research done to date shows this is a potentially economically viable project. The group has hired a consulting company to conduct a more detailed engineering and design study. The results are expected in the spring of 2013.
While this study will primarily focus on electricity production from the plant, the group hopes to find additional money to investigate the use of the facility’s waste heat.
Once the study results are known, the group will determine how best to move forward. The biomass project would undergo community, environmental and regulatory review before moving to the construction phase.
You can read more about our biomass work here. See below for a summary of the Open House held in Haines Junction in January 2013.