Conversion of heating systems in Inukjuak’s social housing installations: from oil to a dual-energy heating system (electricity/fuel oil)

completed

The aim of the project is to convert the current oil-fired heating systems in the 480 housing units under the responsibility of the Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau (KMBH) to renewable energy. The aim is to convert the heating systems in these homes from oil to a dual-energy electricity/oil system. Currently, all the energy consumed is fossil fuel. Diesel powers the space heating and domestic hot water furnaces, and is also used in the generators at Hydro-Québec Distribution’s thermal power plant producing electricity. On 27 May 2019, an electricity supply contract was signed between Hydro-Québec Distribution, Innergex and Pituvik Land Corporation. Under this contract, Hydro Innavik s.e.c. will build a hydroelectric generating station that will produce renewable energy to power the new heating systems to be installed as part of this project. The proportion of homes in the Inukjuak community powered by hydroelectricity is expected to rise from 0% to 80% by the end of this project. The use of diesel generates direct and indirect GHG emissions, not to mention the effects on air quality and occasional spills at the local port. As well as reducing GHG emissions, this project will promote access to more efficient and reliable energy sources and enable more renewable energy sources to be managed.