Yukon Energy is planning for the territory’s future energy needs, and we’re committed to meeting the growing demand for electricity using clean energy that complements our existing hydro system. We feel it is our obligation to ensure, as much as possible, that the power we produce is from renewable sources. We believe that Northerners have a collective interest in keeping the environment clean.
To this end, Yukon Energy is looking at all possible sources of renewable energy, including geo-thermal, wind, and the enhancement of our existing hydro assets. We are interested in exploring with you two concepts for increasing the hydro-electrical generation potential at Yukon Energy’s Whitehorse plant. These two concepts would involve increased winter storage on both Marsh Lake and Atlin Lake.
Atlin River
The first idea involves putting a submerged weir in the Atlin River, to retain water in Atlin Lake in the fall for release in the winter, when we need the water the most. Yukon electrical loads are highest during winter months when we have lower flows in the Yukon River. Without sufficient water, we must use diesel fuel to generate electricity. By storing water for winter usage, Yukon Energy could increase the amount of hydro electricity we produce, displacing up to 4.8 million litres of diesel per year. This translates into a savings to Yukoners of $4.8 million per year in diesel costs and it would avoid the production of up to 12,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually
Yukon Energy is exploring the concept of regulating the water flows on Atlin River, while keeping Atlin Lake levels within their natural range. Lake levels would not be raised above what they are now during the summer months. Instead, what is being contemplated is to hold the fall water levels a bit longer into the winter and then allow them to drop over the balance of the winter months. The idea currently being contemplated is to use a submerged weir to hold back the water in the fall.
No decision has been made to proceed with any regulation of the Atlin River. We are committed to regular and meaningful discussions with the Taku River Tlingit, Atlin Community Improvement District, the residents of Atlin, the B.C. government and other interested groups and individuals. We are interested in working with you to determine how you would like to be involved in this process, and to address your questions or concerns.
More in the Yukon Energy PDF document HERE
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