Modelling Impacts of New Power Generation Facilities and Renewable Technologies on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Saskatchewan, Canada

Saskatchewan, a western province of western Canada, is famous for its vast crude oil, natural gas and coal reserves and production. The green house gas (GHG) emissions increased from approximately 46.9 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 1990 to 61.2 million tons in 2000, which is far higher than the Canadian average growth rate. Most of the GHG emissions are from energy production and consumption. The generation of electricity is a major contributor to total GHG emission, mainly from the coal-fried technologies. Based on the Saskatchewan MARKAL model, this study aims to evaluate the impacts of the province's new electric generation plan and measures on GHG emissions from the period 1988 to 2032. One reference case and three scenarios have been analyzed in this chapter. The reference case modeled the energy system based on existing electric power generating capacities. The first scenario reflected variations in new gas-fired electric generating power facilities. The second scenario reflected the impacts of wind power, and the expansion of hydropower, and the third scenario reflects the impacts of introducing nuclear technology on GHG emissions. The model results are used to provide recommendations to reduce GHG emissions from the generation of electricity.