Moose Cree First Nation Utilizing Renewable Energy

Biomass energy is a type of renewable energy, and Moose Cree First Nation has been using it since 2022 in the form of a wood pellet heating system at our elders facility.

In addition to cost savings over the previous propane system, it also reduces carbon emissions by up to 30 tonnes a year.

We’re looking at the possibility of incorporating other sources of renewable energy to lessen our impact on the environment and become more energy independent in the future.

Learn more about renewable energy below!

Renewable Energy

What is renewable energy?

Energy that comes from sources that are naturally replenished – wind, sun, water, the tides, and bioenergy.

What can renewable energy be used for?

Renewable energy can be used for generating electricity, heating homes and commercial buildings, and to power cars and trucks.

What are the advantages of renewable energy?

• Lower carbon emissions
• Air pollution can be cut
• Greater energy independence and self-reliance
• Supply can be more stable
• Can be used to power remote and off grid communities and homes
• Can lower costs

What are the main types of renewable and low carbon energy?

• Wind – power generation
• Solar – power generation and hot water heating
• Hydro – power generation
• Tidal and wave power – using tides and the motion of waves to generate electricity.
• Biomass – heating and power generation – more information here! (LINK)
• Heat pumps – using naturally occurring heat from the ground, air or water to provide useful heat for buildings or industry.

Biomass – fully automatic, modern, and efficient heating with wood chips and pellets

Advantages of biomass heating:

✔ Low carbon, easily available, flexible fuel

✔ Biomass can be sourced from local and sustainably managed forests, and from timber offcuts from the lumber industry that would otherwise be wasted.

✔ Large cost savings possible compared to other fuels

✔ Modern boilers with large fuel stores, automatic feeding and cleaning with low maintenance requirements

✔ There is already a wood pellet heating system in Moose Factory heating the Elders facility

Elders facility in Moose Factory: new wood pellet heating system

Since early 2022, the Elders facility has been heated with a new, fully automatic wood pellet heating system.

Cost savings

The new heating system provides savings to the community as the wood pellets are less expensive than the propane that was previously used.

Reduced carbon emissions

Based on a typical year, the heating system can reduce carbon emissions by 20 to 30 tonnes per year.