Renewable electricity is becoming more affordable for both individuals and governments.

For individuals, the Government of Canada offers support like home retrofit programs and incentives for electric vehicles. These programs help lower energy bills and reduce pollution pricing. Switching to renewables like solar and wind offers long-term price stability, as they aren’t affected by fuel price spikes. In places with more renewable energy, like Quebec and Manitoba, power bills are much lower than in fossil fuel-heavy provinces like Saskatchewan.

For governments and utilities, renewables like wind and solar have lower long-term costs than fossil fuels. Once built, they provide stable, affordable power without the price swings of oil and gas. While initial investments in renewables may be high, they lead to long-term savings and price stability. During this time government funding for renewable energy is needed reduce the burden on consumers.

Overall, renewables are a cost-effective solution for a secure energy future.

References:

• Canada Environment – Powering future clean energy – overview Saskatchewan
• iisd.org – Canadian energy security – renewables
• Environmentalsociety – Unleashing Regina’s Energy Innovation Economy
• Climate Institute – Electricity and equity – Canada’s energy transition

The shift to renewable energy is already generating jobs in Saskatchewan, and it’s set to create many more in the coming years. Right now, Saskatchewan faces a real risk: around 6% of the workforce is tied to industries that are vulnerable during this transition, like oil, gas, and coal. Communities like Lloydminster, Estevan, Weyburn, Swift Current, and Coronach are especially dependent on these sectors. But the good news is that new opportunities in renewable energy are growing fast.

By 2050, Saskatchewan could see 146,000 clean energy jobs — up from just 15,200 in 2025. These jobs will be in things like solar, wind, geothermal energy, and upgrading our electric grid. Workers who have experience in oil and gas can transfer their skills to these new sectors. For example, DEEP Earth Energy has already started drilling for geothermal energy in Saskatchewan, using workers with oil and gas expertise.

Other industries will also benefit. Manufacturing wind turbines, solar panels, and electric grid equipment will create stable, long-term jobs. Plus, agriculture will see new growth with biofuels, creating jobs that support the province’s farming communities.

The energy transition isn’t just about addressing climate change — it’s about securing new opportunities for Saskatchewan’s working families. While the old industries may be facing challenges, renewable energy offers a path to economic stability and growth for the future.

References:

• Canada – Powering future clean energy – overview Saskatchewan
• Climate Institute – SK profile
• Clean Energy Canada – A Pivotal Moment Report
• David Suzuki – Shifting Power Zero Emissions Across Canada By 2035 Report

Saskatchewan has the best solar energy potential in all of Canada. Our province gets more sunlight than anywhere else, making it a great place to invest in solar power. By tapping into this resource, we can lower energy bills, create local jobs, and build a stronger, more secure future for our communities. Solar is here and ready to help us grow!

References:

• Natural Resources Canada – photovoltaic and solar resource maps

Saskatchewan is missing out on big opportunities by not pursuing renewable energy. The federal government has committed $40 billion to help provinces like ours make the switch, and we’re set to receive $2.6 billion — the highest amount per gigawatt hour. With excellent wind, solar, and geothermal potential, we could lower energy costs and create more stable, local jobs. Other provinces are already benefiting from renewable energy investments, while Saskatchewan ranks near the bottom in attracting capital for green projects. If we don’t act now, we risk being left behind in the transition to a cleaner, more affordable energy future.

References:

• Climate Institute – SK profile
• Dolter, B. (2021). Greening the Saskatchewan grid: A case study in deliberative energy modeling. Ecological Economics
• CBC – Experts say net zero electricity targets are possible in Sask

Waste Reduction in Saskatchewan’s Renewable Energy Transition

Saskatchewan needs to actively transition towards renewable energy sources, which inherently produce less waste compared to traditional fossil fuel-based power generation. This shift is not only reducing the province’s carbon footprint but also minimizing waste production in several ways:

• Reduced Emissions and Air Pollution Renewable energy sources in Saskatchewan, particularly wind and solar, generate electricity without producing harmful emissions or air pollutants during operation. SaskPower, the province’s main electricity provider, has approved the procurement of 700 MW of new renewable energy capacity, which will significantly increase solar generating capacity by 1000% and wind generation capacity by 65%.
• Minimal Operational Waste Unlike coal-fired power plants that produce substantial amounts of ash and other byproducts, renewable energy facilities in Saskatchewan generate minimal waste during operation: The Golden South Wind Project, operational since 2022, contributes 200 MW of electric capacity without producing operational waste. The Highfield Solar Project, Saskatchewan’s first utility-grade solar operation, generates 10 MW of capacity with negligible waste production during its operational phase.
• Reduced Water Pollution Traditional power plants often contribute to water pollution through thermal discharge and potential chemical leaks. Renewable energy projects in Saskatchewan, such as wind and solar farms, have minimal impact on water resources during operation.
• Long-Term Sustainability While renewable energy infrastructure does create some waste at the end of its lifecycle, efforts are being made to address this: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that solar panels produced 250,000 metric tonnes of waste globally in 2018. However, innovations in panel design and recycling technologies are reducing this impact. Wind turbine blades, which have posed disposal challenges, are now being targeted for recycling and repurposing initiatives.
• Circular Economy Opportunities Saskatchewan’s transition to renewable energy presents opportunities for implementing circular economy principles: The province can potentially use waste-to-energy technologies to manage end-of-life renewable energy equipment, further reducing waste and generating additional power. Emerging technologies like carbon capture and storage at the Boundary Dam project demonstrate Saskatchewan’s commitment to reducing waste even from traditional power sources.
• Economic Benefits The shift to renewable energy in Saskatchewan is not only reducing waste but also creating economic opportunities: Projections indicate that 131,000 clean energy jobs will be added in the province between 2025 and 2050. Indigenous-led projects, such as the Meadow Lake Tribal Council Solar Energy’s 816-kilowatt solar farm, are reinvesting revenues into community programs and services.

In conclusion, Saskatchewan’s transition to renewable energy sources is significantly reducing waste compared to traditional power generation methods. By leveraging its natural resources for solar and wind power, the province is not only minimizing environmental impact but also creating a more sustainable and economically beneficial energy landscape.

References:

• Canada Action. (2023). Saskatchewan renewable energy facts.
• Government of Saskatchewan. (2023). Renewable Energy. 
• International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2019). End-of-Life Management: Solar Photovoltaic Panels.
• SaskPower. (2023). Our Power Future.
• University of Saskatchewan. (2023). Community Appropriate Sustainable Energy Security (CASES) Partnership.

Wind power generation on calm days presents challenges, but there are strategies and technologies to address this issue. Here’s an overview of how wind power works on calm days, along with a formal reference list:

Wind Power on Calm Days

• Geographical Diversity: Wind farms spread across different locations can help mitigate the impact of localized calm conditions.
• Energy Storage: Battery systems and other storage technologies can store excess wind energy for use during calm periods. Grid
• Integration: Interconnected power grids can import electricity from regions with active wind generation. Complementary Renewable
• Sources: Solar power can often complement wind power, as sunny days may coincide with less windy conditions. Advanced
• Forecasting: Improved weather prediction helps operators anticipate and prepare for calm periods.
• Low-Wind Turbines: Some turbines are designed to generate power even in low wind speeds.
• Backup Power Sources: Conventional power plants or other renewable sources can provide backup during extended calm periods.

Challenges

Despite these strategies, periods of low wind, known as “dunkelflauten” in German, can still pose significant challenges for grid stability and power supply, especially in regions heavily reliant on wind power. Future Developments Ongoing research focuses on improving energy storage technologies, enhancing grid flexibility, and developing more efficient low-wind turbines to further address the challenges of calm days.

References:

• Thornton, H. E., Scaife, A. A., Hoskins, B. J., & Brayshaw, D. J. (2017). The relationship between wind power, electricity demand and winter weather patterns in Great Britain. Environmental Research Letters, 12(6), 064017.
• Wikipedia. (2023). Dunkelflaute.
• Government of Canada. (2023). Saskatchewan: Clean electricity snapshot.
• Switch to Renewable. (2023). Saskatchewan.
• SaskPower. (2023). Where Your Power Comes From.

Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, though at reduced efficiency compared to sunny conditions.

Key points include:

• Reduced Output: On cloudy days, solar panels typically produce 10-25% of their normal output compared to sunny days.
• Diffuse Light: Even on overcast days, some sunlight penetrates the clouds and reaches the panels, allowing for electricity generation.
• Cloud Edge Effect: Partially cloudy days can sometimes boost production due to “cloud lensing” or the “edge-of-cloud effect”, where high clouds focus more sunlight onto panels.
• Panel Efficiency: High-efficiency panels perform better in cloudy conditions, capturing a broader range of UV light wavelengths.
• Geographical Factors: The impact of clouds varies based on latitude, panel tilt, and seasonal changes in day length.
• Temperature Benefits: Cooler cloudy weather can actually improve panel efficiency, as solar panels perform better at lower temperatures.
• Energy Storage: Battery systems can store excess energy from sunny days for use during cloudy periods.

To maximize solar power in cloudy regions:

• Use high-efficiency panels
• Optimize panel placement and angle
• Implement energy storage solutions
• Consider microinverters or power optimizers to improve performance in partial shade

References:

• ENACT. (2023). Do solar panels work on cloudy or rainy days?
• Solar Alliance. (2022). Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days?
• SunPower. (n.d.).Find Out if and How Solar Panels Work on a Cloudy Day.
• Reddit. (2023). Power generation on cloudy day.
• Panasonic. (2023). 6 ways to get more power from solar panels in cloudy regions.

Solar Panels in Saskatchewan Winters

Saskatchewan, known for its harsh winters, might seem like an unlikely place for solar energy. However, the province’s abundant sunshine makes it an excellent location for solar power, even during the cold months. Here’s how solar panels perform in Saskatchewan’s winter conditions:

• Cold Weather Efficiency Contrary to popular belief, Saskatchewan’s frigid temperatures can actually boost solar panel efficiency. Solar panels operate more effectively in cold weather, as the conductivity of their materials improves.
• Snow Effects While heavy snowfall is common in Saskatchewan, it doesn’t significantly impair annual solar production. A study by NAIT’s Alternative Energy program showed that solar panels which had snow removed only experienced 1% to 5% more production than those left unmaintained over a three-year period.
• High Solar Potential Saskatchewan boasts the highest solar energy potential in Canada. Even with shorter winter days, the province receives ample sunlight to make solar power viable year-round.
• Winter Production Although daily production may decrease in winter, the focus is on annual output. Excess energy generated during Saskatchewan’s long summer days can offset lower winter production through net metering programs.
• Snow Clearing Most solar installations in Saskatchewan are designed with a tilt that allows snow to slide off naturally. The dark color of panels also aids in snow melting. Manual clearing is generally unnecessary and discouraged for safety reasons.
• Grid Integration SaskPower’s net metering program allows homeowners to feed excess power back to the grid, providing credits that can be used during lower-production winter months. By understanding these factors, Saskatchewan residents can confidently invest in solar power, knowing that their systems will continue to generate clean energy even during the province’s challenging winter months.

References:

• Government of Saskatchewan. (2023). Solar Opportunities in Saskatchewan.
• Harding, G. (2017, November 24). Solar power’s popularity is on the rise in Saskatchewan. Leaderpost.
• Natural Resources Canada. (2023). Photovoltaic potential and solar resource maps of Canada.
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). (2018). Solar PV in Cold Climates.
• SaskPower. (2023). Net Metering Program.

Electric vehicles (EVs) can indeed work effectively in Saskatchewan’s harsh winter conditions, though there are some considerations to keep in mind. Here’s an overview of how EVs perform in Saskatchewan winters:

• Cold Weather Performance: EVs can start and operate reliably in extreme cold. Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors don’t require warming up and provide instant heat.
• Range Reduction: Cold temperatures can reduce an EV’s range by up to 50% in extreme conditions. This is primarily due to battery heating requirements and increased energy use for cabin heating.
• Battery Efficiency: While cold weather affects battery performance, EVs are designed to manage this. Many models have battery thermal management systems to maintain optimal battery temperature.
• Charging: Charging times may increase in very cold weather. However, home charging overnight in a garage can help mitigate this issue.
• Traction: The weight distribution of EVs, with batteries typically located low in the vehicle, can provide excellent traction in winter conditions when paired with winter tires.
• Preconditioning: Many EVs allow for preheating the cabin and battery while still plugged in, which helps preserve range and ensures a warm start.
• Reliability: EV owners in Saskatchewan report that their vehicles start reliably in all temperatures, often outperforming gas vehicles in extreme cold.
• Infrastructure: While charging infrastructure is growing in Saskatchewan, long-distance winter travel may require more planning than with gas vehicles.

Despite some challenges, many Saskatchewan EV owners find their vehicles well-suited to winter driving, citing benefits such as instant heat, reliable starting, and good traction.

References:

• Northeast Now. (2022, December 7). Can electric vehicles survive the harsh Saskatchewan cold?
• CBC News. (2024, January 13). Electric cars ‘the best vehicle’ in frigid temperatures, Sask. advocates say.
• SaskPower. (2021, March 30). EV Mythbusters: Electric Vehicles Can’t Handle Our Cold Saskatchewan Winters. 
• Sherwood Chevrolet. (2023, November 21). Navigating Winter: Winter Car Care in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan has big potential for geothermal power, especially under southern part of the province in the Williston Basin. This energy source could provide 24/7 clean power using drilling skills we already have from the oil and gas industry. A project near Estevan is already in the works, with a 20 MW geothermal plant in its design phase. While the start-up costs are high, the long-term benefits include reliable energy and good jobs for local workers. With water temperatures in southern Saskatchewan reaching 60–105°C at deep levels, geothermal could play a key role in our energy future.