Decarbonization Strategies for Northern Quebec: Enhancing Building Efficiency and Integrating Renewable Energy in Off-Grid Indigenous Communities

Hossein Arasteh, Siba Kalivogui, Abdelatif Merabtine, Wahid Maref (), Kun Zhang, Sullivan Durand, Patrick Turcotte, Daniel Rousse, Adrian Ilinca, Didier Haillot and Ricardo Izquierdo
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Hossein Arasteh: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Siba Kalivogui: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Abdelatif Merabtine: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Wahid Maref: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Kun Zhang: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Sullivan Durand: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Patrick Turcotte: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Daniel Rousse: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Adrian Ilinca: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Didier Haillot: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Ricardo Izquierdo: Groupe de Recherche t3e, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-32

Abstract: This review explores the pressing need for decarbonization strategies in the off-grid Indigenous communities of Northern Quebec, particularly focusing on Nunavik, where reliance on diesel and fossil fuels for heating and electricity has led to disproportionately excessive greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions underscore the urgent need for sustainable energy alternatives. This study investigates the potential for improving building energy efficiency through advanced thermal insulation, airtight construction, and the elimination of thermal bridges. These measures have been tested in practice; for instance, a prototype house in Quaqtaq achieved over a 54% reduction in energy consumption compared to the standard model. Beyond efficiency improvements, this review assesses the feasibility of renewable energy sources such as wood pellets, solar photovoltaics, wind power, geothermal energy, and run-of-river hydropower in reducing fossil fuel dependence in these communities. For instance, the Innavik hydroelectric project in Inukjuak reduced diesel use by 80% and is expected to cut 700,000 t of CO 2 over 40 years. Solar energy, despite seasonal limitations, can complement other systems, particularly during sunnier months, while wind energy projects such as the Raglan Mine turbines save 4.4 million liters of diesel annually and prevent nearly 12,000 t of CO 2 emissions. Geothermal and run-of-river hydropower systems are identified as long-term and effective solutions. This review emphasizes the role of Indigenous knowledge in guiding the energy transition and ensuring that solutions are culturally appropriate for community needs. By identifying both technological and socio-economic barriers, this review offers a foundation for future research and policy development aimed at enabling a sustainable and equitable energy transition in off-grid Northern Quebec communities.

Keywords: Canada; off-grid communities; decarbonization; energy efficiency; renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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