Coal plant project has uncertain future

subscribe

Saskatchewan is considering a carbon-capture project that would be the biggest in Canada – if it's built.

And that's not yet certain, despite federal backing.

The plan is to refurbish one of the six units at SaskPower's aging coal-fired Boundary Dam generating station, near Estevan, as a carbon-capture demonstration project.

The estimated cost is $1.4 billion.

The recent federal budget included $240 million for the project.

With that amount in the kitty, officials at the provincial Crown corporation are reviewing whether the project makes technical and economic sense, an official said in a background briefing.

"This is a good day for Saskatchewan – for our economy and the environment," provincial Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said after Ottawa announced its contribution.

But it's not a done deal. SaskPower hopes the project will go ahead but hasn't said whether it will, the official said.

Under the project, Unit Three, rated at 142 megawatts, would be rebuilt. When it reopens, a special solution in the smokestack would trap carbon dioxide emissions before they enter the atmosphere. The liquid would then be boiled, leaving only the carbon dioxide.

The greenhouse gas, converted to liquid form, would then be piped about 300 kilometres to oil fields close to Weyburn where it would be injected into wells to help push oil to the surface.

Part of the economic analysis involves talks with the oil producers over how much carbon dioxide they'd buy, and at what price.

Related News

new-york-finalizes-contracts-for-renewable-projects

New York Finalizes Contracts for 23 Renewable Projects Totaling 2.3 GW

NEW YORK - In a significant milestone for the state’s clean energy ambitions, New York has finalized contracts with 23 renewable energy projects, totaling a combined capacity of 2.3 gigawatts (GW). This move is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to accelerate its transition to renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and meet the ambitious targets set under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which aims to achieve a carbon-free electricity grid by 2040.

A Strong Commitment to Renewable Energy

The 23 projects secured under these contracts represent a diverse range of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and…

READ MORE

Prepare for blackouts across the U.S. as summer takes hold

READ MORE

electricity changes

3 ways 2021 changed electricity - What's Next

READ MORE

German official says nuclear would do little to solve gas issue

READ MORE

tower

N.L. lags behind Canada in energy efficiency, but there's a silver lining to the stats

READ MORE