Original Report: www.cbc.ca(full story)
The Yukon government received conditional approval for up to $40 million from Ottawa to study a proposed 765-kilometre transmission line that would connect the territory to Canada’s electrical grid. This funding is dependent on the completion of pre-feasibility studies by the Yukon government. Yukon MP Brendan Hanley and mining minister John Streicker announced the funding, emphasizing its potential to power critical mineral mines, particularly those producing materials for electric vehicles and wind turbines, addressing the need for energy amidst population growth. The Yukon has sought a grid connection with British Columbia and faces challenges expanding its electrical capacity, especially given demands from its green energy strategy.
The new connection may allow the Yukon to purchase power from the North American market and sell surplus energy during the summer. Details on the transmission line’s route, construction costs, and impact on electricity bills remain uncertain. Additionally, $20 million was allocated for an access road to the Galore Creek copper and gold project. Both projects are funded through the federal government’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund. Streicker noted that the priority is getting the connection built, regardless of who will eventually use the transmitted power.
