A high voltage transmission line connecting northwest BC and the Yukon will unlock up to 36,000 long-term Canadian jobs and move several communities and mining operations from diesel to clean renewable electricity, according to the Shared Grid / Shared Benefits report compiled by the Yukon Development Corporation.
The report relies on outside industry and policy experts to assess the available economic, energy security and environmental benefits of a proposed northwest energy corridor. The Shared Grid / Shared Benefits report will form the basis of continued partnership discussions with First Nations along the route and throughout the Yukon.
The reports find a new transmission line could power up to:
- $7.6 billion a year in long-term economic growth, spurred by new mining and renewable energy development;
- 36,000 Canadian jobs over 50 years;
- nine million tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, the equivalent of 120,000 tanker trucks of gasoline every year;
- increased electricity to meet the Yukon's peak winter demand;
- six communities electrified: Upper Liard and Watson Lake, Yukon and Dease Lake, Good Hope Lake, Lower Post and potentially Telegraph Creek, BC;
- $2 billion per year in new clean electricity sales revenue; and
- 2,000 MW of new renewable energy generation potential in northwest Canada.
The transmission line will provide clean, reliable electricity to the significant critical mineral development available in the northwest corridor. The Government of Canada has identified critical minerals as a priority for the country's growth and security. Both the Yukon and BC would share in the benefits, with 45 per cent of the clean growth created in the Yukon.
By creating a two-way continuous market for energy, the transmission line will also allow for significantly more renewable energy development in Canada's northwest and greater energy security for residents and industry.
"The northwest can be a leader in the clean energy economy, to the benefit of all Canadians. A connected grid builds the foundation for more First Nations-owned renewable energy projects and a stable critical mining sector in Canada."
Minister responsible for Yukon Development Corporation John Streicker
Quick facts
- Canada's Critical Minerals strategy is one of five key priorities for the Government of Canada's Major Project's Office. The strategy includes advancing clean energy solutions for the Northwest Critical Minerals and Conservation Corridor.
- A two-way, guaranteed energy market reduces the risk of investing in northern energy generation and allows significantly more variable wind and solar compared to an isolated grid. The Yukon-BC Grid Connect allows the Yukon and northern BC to access clean energy to meet peak demand and to export surplus energy to broader markets.
- Built in the 1950s, the Yukon has one of Canada's last standalone electrical grids. Peak electricity demand currently exceeds renewable capacity and 22 temporary rental generators have been installed to ensure safe and reliable supply. Continued electrification is expected to significantly increase demand on the grid in the coming years.
- Yukon Development Corporation received $40 million through Government of Canada's Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund to advance the Yukon-BC Grid Connect project. The Contribution Agreement was signed February 14, 2025.
- Yukon Development Corporation is working with First Nations throughout the Yukon to identify renewable energy opportunities through community energy planning and Innovative Renewable Energy Initiative funding. As First Nations continue to grow the Yukon's energy economy, the Yukon has the potential to become a net energy-exporter.
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