Northern Energy Capital
Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, & Whale Cove, Nunavut
Published January 31, 2025
NEC PHOTO: Kailey Wright
Northern Energy Capital is embarking on a project to harness the immense potential of wind energy in the remote and pristine regions of Northern Canada. Equipped with cutting-edge SoDAR (Sound Detection And Ranging) technology, NEC aims to assess and unlock the clean and sustainable energy potential of these uncharted territories.
The goal of the Mobile Wind Resource Assessment has been to deploy the SoDAR device in three communities (Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, and Whale Cove) over three years enabling the collection of a detailed wind resource time-series at various elevations above ground.
The SoDAR system is powered by a solar-derived system that is capable of being deployed fully off-grid and year-round. The Project hires and trains local staff to deploy, set up, operate, and maintain the system in each target community. At the end of each study year the wind resource measurement system is packed up, moved, and redeployed at a new location.
Under the leadership of Kailey Wright, NEC's highly skilled Project Manager, Phase 2 of the wind resource assessment project in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, has successfully come to an end. This phase involved the deployment of a SoDAR unit for one year, which utilizes sound waves to measure wind speed and direction at various heights, providing valuable insights and data into the wind patterns and energy potential of the region.
The data collected during both phases of the project will undergo rigorous analysis by NEC's team of experts. This analysis will provide valuable insights into the wind resource potential of the region and help determine the feasibility of developing wind energy projects in these remote locations.
Building upon the momentum of Phase 2, NEC is now thrilled to announce the commencement of Phase 3 in Whale Cove, Nunavut. The SoDAR equipment has been moved to the third and final location for the next year to further expand the scope of the assessment and allow for a comprehensive understanding of the wind resource potential in this area.
Northern Energy Capital's dedication to exploring renewable energy solutions in Northern Canada aligns with the growing global movement towards sustainable development and Arctic security. By harnessing the abundant wind resources of the region, NEC aims to contribute to a cleaner, greener future for all while also stimulating local economies and creating new employment opportunities in these remote communities.
NEC PHOTO: Kailey Wright
What is SoDAR?
NEC is committed to innovation and sustainability which is why the SoDAR equipment has been such a valuable tool for these year-long wind assessments. SoDAR is a remarkable innovation in the field of atmospheric monitoring. The SoDAR utilizes high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted into the atmosphere and interact with wind currents to measure wind speed and direction. As these sound waves encounter the wind, they undergo a phenomenon known as the Doppler shift, that changes the frequency of the sound wave. This shift in frequency provides information about the wind speed and direction. By analyzing the Doppler shift of the reflected sound waves, the SoDAR can accurately determine the wind profile at various heights within the atmosphere.
One of the significant advantages of SoDAR is its ability to operate in remote and challenging environments. Its compact size and portability make it ideal for locations where traditional meteorological towers would be impractical or impossible to install. SoDAR has proven invaluable in monitoring wind resources for renewable energy applications. By accurately assessing the available wind resources, SoDAR helps optimize the placement of wind turbines and maximize energy production.
NEC PHOTO: Kailey Wright
Our Commitment to Sustainability
This initiative reflects NEC’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and exploring clean energy solutions for the future. We are excited about the potential of wind power to play a significant role in the transition towards a more sustainable energy mix in the North.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to gather data and explore the exciting possibilities of renewable energy in the region!
About Northern Energy Capital
Northern Energy Capital is a renewable energy development company, established in 2015, dedicated to empowering northern and remote communities in their transition from fossil fuel consumption to clean energy asset ownership. NEC is the development partner of choice for off-grid and remote communities that seek to achieve energy independence through locally owned and locally produced renewable energy.
Are you interested in working with Northern Energy Capital on your next renewable energy project? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at contact@northernenergycapital.com or 250-213-8185 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your energy goals.
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