Saskatchewan Government Plans to Extend Life of Coal Plants Before Transition to Nuclear Power
The Saskatchewan government has announced plans to extend the life of the province's coal-fired power plants, aiming to maintain jobs and meet growing electricity demands. Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, Jeremy Harrison, outlined the strategy in a letter to SaskPower employees, emphasizing the need to maintain affordable and reliable electricity while transitioning to future nuclear power generation. Harrison mentioned that the province would explore the potential for adding carbon capture units to reduce emissions from coal operations.
Nuclear Future and Carbon Capture Units
Saskatchewan has already made progress in carbon capture technology with its Boundary Dam Power Station, which operates a carbon capture unit. However, the unit has faced challenges in meeting emissions reduction targets. Harrison noted that SaskPower would extend the life of up to 1,500 MW of coal power assets, following similar efforts in other regions globally. While coal will remain a key component of the province's energy generation, plans are also in place to build a small modular nuclear reactor in the mid-2030s, with Estevan being considered as a potential site for the plant.
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Defiance of Federal Regulations and Commitment to Net-Zero by 2050
The Saskatchewan government has expressed its intention to continue operating its coal plants beyond the 2030 phase-out deadline established by federal clean electricity regulations, arguing that the province has constitutional authority over its electricity generation. Despite this, the government remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with wind and solar energy being incorporated into the electricity mix. Harrison reassured the public that the government would continue balancing environmental sustainability with maintaining grid reliability and economic growth.
