Churchill town lies on the western shore of Hudson Bay in Northern Manitoba. It lies within the adhesion to Treaty 5 home of the Cree, Dene, Inuit and Metis Peoples. It has subarctic climate with long very cold winters and short, cool to mild summers. The town is known for ecotourism (which makes significant contribution to the local economy) centred around Polar Bears, Beluga Whales and bird watching. Manitoba Hydro is the main utility providing energy to Churchill.
The town uses ~28000 MWh of electricity annually, but the dominant energy use is due to Jet Fuel (over 50%) use at the airport, which is unique for a remote community
Despite a relatively more secure energy supply, Churchill residents desire a more self-sufficient energy system
Long extremly cold winters. Freezing of the shallow Hudson Bay stops any moderating effect.
For a small remote town, Churchill has plenty of modern (commercial and public) infrastructure. The town complex is equipped with all modern facilities, including a hockey rink and a theater
Cost of delivery, lack of agency, and security of supply drive communities' interest in alternative energy projects