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Ottawa supports Tugliq Energy with Phase 3 wind energy at Raglan Mine

April 5, 2021 | By Anthony Capkun


A group of visitors underground at Raglan Mine © Glencore Canada.

April 5, 2021 – Tugliq Energy Co. is the recipient of a $7.1-million federal investment to help fund the third phase of its wind energy project that will displace diesel generation in northern Quebec.

This new funding builds on the success of earlier phases of the wind farm, reports Natural Resources Canada, and will enable Raglan Mine to explore the possibility of two additional 3-MW wind turbines and 4 MW of energy storage at its facility in the Nunavik region of Quebec.

“Operating a mine in the Canadian Arctic presents significant challenges, particularly when it comes to generating electricity,” said Pierre Barrette of Raglan Mine, who pointed out the site is not connected to the grid. As such, “we have to fulfil our energy requirements by generating our own electricity with diesel generators”.

These additions could bring the mine’s renewable energy capacity up to 12 MW, and its energy storage up to 6 MW, totalling 6.6-million litres per year of reduced diesel reliance.

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Construction of the project will create about 65 jobs, with another six jobs needed for the operation and maintenance of the wind farm over its lifetime. Renewable energy training and information sessions will also be provided to Indigenous youth in the area to share lessons learned and build local capacity, adds NRCan.

“Integrating ever-higher levels of renewable energy provides compelling positive returns and benefits for mining companies and their neighbouring communities,” said Laurent Abbatiello, president & CEO, Tugliq Energy Corp.

Federal funding for the project comes from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program. The eight-year, $220-million program aims to reduce reliance on diesel in rural and remote communities by deploying and demonstrating renewable energy projects, encouraging energy efficiency and building local skills and capacity.

Tugliq and the Government of Quebec also contributed to the project, for a total investment of $21.9 million.

“Government support is essential in pursuing the development of Canada’s natural resources while preserving the environment in a healthy and prosperous way,” added Barrette.


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