Natural gas is a non-renewable energy source (meaning once it’s burned it’s gone for good). Compared to coal, it produces 50 per cent less greenhouse gases but it will have even stricter regulations in the near future.
There are two ways we can use natural gas to make power:
Natural gas generates power by being burned. Simple cycle gas turbines uses heat to turn a turbine to create power. This method is best when power use is at its peak, like hot summer days, or in the middle of winter.
Combined cycle gas plants are about 15 per cent more efficient. They add another step by using the exhaust heat to generate steam that turns a turbine to create power.
Reliability
With plenty of natural gas available it’s a reliable energy we can count on.
Cost
It’s an inexpensive way to provide power to the province.
Impact
Natural gas moderately impacts the environment as it produces less than half of the emissions of coal.
Now
Natural gas generation (excluding cogeneration) makes up about 30 per cent of SaskPower’s total generating capacity.
Future
We’re currently constructing the Chinook Power Station in Swift Current, which we expect to be in service by 2019.
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