Old Crow Battery Energy Storage System and Microgrid Controller Project

Clark Builders has built a strong reputation for successfully executing projects in remote areas and for First Nations communities. Notable among these achievements are the Old Crow Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Microgrid Controller (MGC) Project for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

Old Crow, a small community with a population of 235, is situated at the northernmost point of the Yukon, a remarkable 127 km beyond the Arctic Circle. Its extreme isolation presents unique challenges for construction endeavors. Unlike other communities, Old Crow lacks permanent road access, relying solely on air transportation or a periodic ice road that is constructed once every four years.

To overcome these logistical hurdles, Clark Builders employed innovative strategies. Our team chartered a C-130 Hercules aircraft, facilitating the delivery of 40,000 lbs of freight. Additionally, Snowcats were utilized to tow trailers, allowing us to transport an extra 50,000 lbs of freight across a frozen river. These efforts ensured the safe and efficient delivery of essential materials and equipment to Old Crow.

The dedication and resourcefulness invested in building within this isolated community have yielded remarkable results. The implementation of the BESS and MGC has significantly reduced the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation's reliance on diesel power. Leveraging a new 450 kWh solar array, the community now maximizes the utilization of solar-generated electricity. Clark Builders played a vital role in this transformation by installing prefabricated battery energy storage units, incorporating lithium-ion cells, and establishing electrical interconnections with the existing diesel generator facilities. As a result, an impressive annual offset of 190,000 L of diesel fuel has been achieved.

Through our commitment to overcoming logistical challenges, leveraging renewable energy sources, and partnering with First Nations communities, Clark Builders continues to demonstrate its expertise in delivering successful projects that have a positive impact on both local communities and the environment.