Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine has finished installing a 3.5-megawatt solar power plant in Canada’s Northwest Territories. This project is now the largest off-grid solar power plant in Canada’s territories.
Diavik: Canada's Largest Wind and Solar Power
The Canadian project is a 3.5-megawatt generator designed to fulfil 25% of the Diavik diamond mine’s energy requirements during its closure phase. It currently holds the distinction of being the largest off-grid solar power plant in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut.
The solar project complements a wind power plant at Diavik, which has been operational since 2012 and stands as Canada's largest wind power installation in the North, having generated over 1.95 GWh of electricity since its launch.
"Our commitment to the environment includes the establishment of Canada's largest off-grid solar power plant in the North, enhancing the energy efficiency of our operations at Diavik. We take pride in pioneering large-scale renewable energy projects in this region,” said Diavik COO Matthew Breen.
Solar Installation to Cut Diesel Use at Diavik Diamond Mine
The facility includes 6,620 bifacial solar panels that will generate 4.2 GWh of clean electricity each year, replacing the use of one million litres of diesel annually. This project received CAD 3.3 million (USD 2.40m/EUR 2.24m) in funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories Large Emitters GHG Reducing Investment Grant Program.
This initiative is part of their strategy to decrease diesel consumption at the site.
The solar facility will supply up to 25% of Diavik’s electricity needs as the mine prepares for closure in 2026, with the decommissioning process expected to continue until 2029. Rio Tinto intends to shut down the mine from 2026 to 2029. It remains uncertain how the solar and wind projects will integrate into the local energy network afterwards.
Rio Tinto states that Diavik is collaborating with the Government of the Northwest Territories and community partners to assess how its renewable energy infrastructure can most effectively benefit the region post-closure.
First GHG Reduction Project Funded by Large Emitters Grant
The project in the Northwest Territories is the first to receive funding from the Large Emitters Grant, which allocates a portion of carbon taxes paid by major operations like Diavik for initiatives dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions(GHG) in the region.
"I applaud Rio Tinto for completing Canada's largest off-grid solar plant in the North at the Diavik mine. This project showcases Rio Tinto's commitment to emissions reduction and highlights the potential for renewable energy leadership in the region. The Government of the Northwest Territories is proud to support this initiative through the Large Emitters GHG Reducing Investment Grant program, which aims to reduce emissions and aligns with our approach to the federal carbon tax in the NWT.” said Northwest Territories’ Minister of Infrastructure Caroline Wawzonek.
Collaborative Construction: Solvest, Tłıchǫ and Diavik
In February 2024, construction commenced with Solvest Inc. of Whitehorse and the Indigenous-owned Tłıchǫ Investment Corporation, supported by Diavik. About 30% of the construction workforce was provided by the Tłıchǫ Investment Corporation.
"Following the success of their 2012 wind farm, Diavik has made another major advancement in proving the feasibility of renewable energy for Northern and off-grid mines. Solvest is honoured to collaborate with Tłıchǫ Investment Corporation in constructing Canada's largest off-grid solar power plant in the North. This project serves as a model for incorporating solar energy into mines across Canada and other Northern areas.” said Ben Power, CEO of Solvest Inc.
Diavik is collaborating with the Government of the Northwest Territories and community partners to identify the optimal ways its renewable energy infrastructure can benefit the region after closure.
Rio Tinto is advancing its decarbonization efforts worldwide, targeting a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030 and aiming for net zero emissions across all operations by 2050.