Mark Heyck

A gathering of advocates, researchers and government officials in the N.W.T. this week is looking at biomass as a viable alternative to diesel in the territory. The Arctic Energy Alliance’s “Biomass Week” started Monday in Yellowknife and continues all week. Biomass is organic matter — for example, wood — that is used to generate energy. Statistics Canada data shows that diesel accounted for roughly half of the territory’s total energy demand in 2023. A significant portion of that diesel is used for space heating and power generation, according to the Canada Energy Regulator. The non-profit Arctic Energy Alliance wants to help steer the territory away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner energy sources. …If the territory is to move away from fossil fuels, Heyck believes biomass is a viable option. He says having more certified wood-stove installers and people who can service and install pellet stoves in the territory is helping.