Tommorrow
The 2007 Supply Decision is a medium-term strategy (2010-2014) to ensure a safe, reliable and sustainable power supply in Saskatchewan. This strategy includes:
Investing in up to 400 megawatts (MW) of simple cycle natural gas-fired generation.
Advantages of simple cycle natural gas turbines include:
SCGTs produce up to 50 per cent less carbon dioxide (CO2) per megawatt hour (MWh) than conventional coal-fired generation.
SaskPower will offset the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) associated with the operation of these turbines through a carbon credit system. At this time, the system has not yet been established in Saskatchewan.
SCGTs will enable the integration of additional wind power into the electricity system.
Unlike larger base-load units (units that are in operation at all times), these turbines can be turned on and off as needed and can be put into operation quickly during peak times when electricity demand is greatest.
At a capital cost of approximately $525 million, SCGTs are a relatively low capital cost option.
SCGTs are relatively easy to install, minimizing construction costs, and can be installed within the required time frame.
SCGTs are flexible with respect to location, helping to reduce the need for new transmission lines. The turbines will be installed in areas where electricity is most needed.
Emissions of sulphur dioxide (SOx), particulates and mercury are near-zero. With modern control strategies, the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions will also be reduced.
Expanding SaskPower’s Green Power Portfolio.
The expanded Green Power Portfolio will now include:
The expansion of wind generation in Saskatchewan, with a goal of an additional 100 megawatts by 2012. SaskPower will also establish a Wind Power Integration and Development Unit, to further study wind deployment in the province.
Delivery of waste heat recovery projects, with a goal of 50 megawatts by 2010. SaskPower will build on its current work with NRGreen Power on waste heat recovery from natural gas compressor stations.
Delivery of biomass forestry projects, with a goal of 20 megawatts by 2010. SaskPower is eager to find ways to use waste products associated with the forestry sector.
A net metering program, which will allow customers to generate their own electricity and send excess electricity to the electrical grid for a credit toward their energy costs. This will encourage small-scale renewable energy projects, and will build upon work the corporation started in 1999 through its Small Power Producer Policy. This program will be launched in the fall of 2007.
Phase three of the Environmentally Preferred Power (EPP) Program, to solicit additional renewable power projects from the private sector. This phase of the program will be launched in the fall of 2007.
More energy efficiency and conservation programs through SaskPower Eneraction - a portfolio of programs with a target of reducing electricity demand by 300 megawatts by 2017. SaskPower Eneraction includes the Power Savings campaigns, which are designed to help residential customers reduce their electricity bills, and the Energy Performance Contracting program for larger industrial customers.
The establishment of a Hydroelectric Development Unit to further explore opportunities for hydroelectric development in the province. SaskPower looks forward to continued work with a number of partners, including our province’s First Nations community, in order to harness the potential of hydro as a source of electricity supply.
