Energy Sovereignty in the Canadian North: Transitioning Remote Arctic Communities to Renewable Microgrids

Assessing Economic Viability and Technical Resilience in Extreme Cold Climates

Abstract

Remote communities in the Canadian Arctic currently rely almost exclusively on expensive, carbon-intensive diesel generation for heat and electricity. This article investigates the technical and economic feasibility of transitioning these regions to hybrid renewable microgrids. By analyzing the performance of wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) under extreme sub-zero conditions, the study identifies critical engineering challenges related to permafrost stability and mechanical durability. Utilizing a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) framework, the research demonstrates that despite high initial capital expenditures, renewable integration offers significant long-term savings and enhances energy sovereignty. This study provides a strategic roadmap for federal and territorial policy aimed at decarbonizing the North.