Current Methods of Energy Production in Saskatchewan
The current methods of energy produced in Saskatchewan are fossil fuels, hydroelectric energy, and solar energy. The fossil fuels include coal, natural gas and oil.
Fossil fuels currently generate 71% of Saskatchewan's energy. Fossil fuels are not a sustainable source of energy because they are non-renewable. This means that you would eventually run out.
Hydroelectric energy currently produces 23% of Saskatchewan's energy. Hydroelectric energy is a sustainable source of energy because it is renewable.
Solar energy generates enough power to run 400 homes and businesses in Saskatchewan. Solar energy is a sustainable source of energy because it is renewable.
How Saskatchewan Can Shift Their Energy Production
I think we should increase the production of hydroelectric energy in Saskatchewan. Hydroelectric energy relies on the flow of water to turn the turbines that provide power.
Currently in Saskatchewan, there are eight hydroelectric power stations. The locations that would be the most suitable for hydroelectric power stations are rivers and waterfalls. However, there are not many waterfalls in Saskatchewan, so we would mostly have to rely on flowing rivers to provide our energy. The Saskatchewan River is a good place for these dams/power stations.
The far North would be a good place to start producing hydroelectricity because there are good water sources there. But, we would have to consider the fact that the water sources would freeze over the winter or get close to freezing. The hydro projects in the North would probably be of a smaller scale though. This would be an efficient and sustainable energy source because it is renewable.
The financial costs to shift Saskatchewan's energy production to hydroelectric energy would be in the medium range. The operating and fuel costs are relatively low compared to other energy sources.
The environmental costs related to my proposal are hydroelectric energy emits some greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change to have a negative impact on the Earth. Special care would also have to be made for wildlife habitats and aquatic ecosystems because we could be potentially destroying them. Although, compared to other energy sources in Saskatchewan, the environmental impact of hydroelectricity is fairly low.
That is how I think Saskatchewan can shift their energy production methods to become even more effective at meeting electrical demands and be sustainable in the terms of cost and environment.
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