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Is there a natural gas refinery in NWT?

There are no refineries in NWT. In 2023, natural gas production in NWT was 4.9 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) (Figure 1). This represented less than 0.1% of total Canadian natural gas production. Natural gas is produced in two fields in NWT: Norman Wells and Ikhil, with Norman Wells accounting for most of the production.

Where does NWT get its fuel?

Virtually all the gasoline consumed in NWT is produced in neighbouring provinces (primarily Alberta) and transported to NWT by truck, rail (to Hay River), and barge. A significant portion of NWT’s demand for diesel fuel is for space heating and power generation.

Does NWT have a electricity grid?

NWT does not have a territorial electricity grid, however, eight communities around the Great Slave Lake use hydroelectricity serviced by two regional grids. Of the remaining 25 communities in NWT, 23 rely on diesel-fired power plants. Norman Wells uses natural gas for electricity generation and Inuvik has both diesel and natural gas facilities.

Where is natural gas produced in NWT?

Natural gas is produced in two fields in NWT: Norman Wells and Ikhil, with Norman Wells accounting for most of the production. Footnote 6 Natural gas has historically been produced at Cameron Hills in southern NWT, but production was suspended in 2015 for economic reasons.

Why does NWT need diesel fuel?

A significant portion of NWT’s demand for diesel fuel is for space heating and power generation. Diesel-based power plants accounted for 68% of NWT’s total installed power capacity in 2021. NWT’s sparse population and limited transportation infrastructure limits the supply and increases the cost of heating and transportation fuels.

When did Norman Wells start producing natural gas?

Footnote 7 Norman Wells began producing in the 1920s. Natural gas production from Ikhil began in 1999 to supply the town of Inuvik for space heating and power generation. Currently, the Ikhil field is in decline and is now a secondary source of natural gas supply for Inuvik who now rely on propane and LNG delivered from the southern provinces.