Released on June 8, 2006
The construction of Canada's largest operating wind facility is one of many initiatives highlighted in SaskPower's newly released 2005 Environment Report. The yearly review presents the corporation's environment-related activities, outlook and performance."SaskPower's $272-million investment in the 150-megawatt Centennial Wind Power Facility is an excellent example of our province's commitment to build on its unique environmental advantages through the Green Strategy," Minister responsible for SaskPower John Nilson said. "The corporation's work in such areas as research and development, small-scale environmentally preferred power, and energy efficiency is integral to successfully meeting our goal of building a green and prosperous economy."
The 2005 Environment Report includes SaskPower's reporting on indicators from the Canadian Electricity Association's Environmental Commitment and Responsibility Program, which uses industry-wide comparative data.
"An open and ongoing review of our company's performance creates a critical dialogue among employees, customers, partners and regulatory agencies," SaskPower President and CEO Pat Youzwa said. "It develops the impetus necessary to challenge conventional thinking and cultivate continuous environmental improvement."
SaskPower anticipates replacing or refurbishing virtually its entire generating fleet within the next 20 years. As a result, emerging environmental requirements are being carefully considered alongside the corporation's other core commitments: safety, reliability and affordability.
"Our investigation into future supply is being spearheaded by groundbreaking research into a near-zero emissions coal plant and a feasibility study on polygeneration," SaskPower's Vice-President of Planning, Environment and Regulatory Affairs Rick Patrick said. "Emerging technologies have the potential to help us address one of Saskatchewan's primary environmental challenges associated with the generation of electricity - greenhouse gases."
SaskPower's environmental achievements highlighted in its 2005 Environment Report include:
• Canada's largest operating wind facility — the 150-megawatt Centennial Wind Power Facility — begins producing electricity.
• Major feasibility study announced on world's first near-zero emissions pulverized coal plant.
• Research begins on viability of new polygeneration facility.
• An international mercury capture project continues at Poplar River Power Station.
• A power purchase agreement for a five-megawatt heat recovery project is signed with Alliance Pipeline as part of Phase I of the Environmentally Preferred Power Program.
• Proposals totaling a potential 241 megawatts are submitted to Phase II of the Environmentally Preferred Power Program.
• An Energy Performance Contracting service alliance is renewed with Honeywell for an additional five years.
• A province-wide power savings campaign provides customers with energy conservation tips.
• Shand Greenhouse marks Saskatchewan's centennial by growing and distributing approximately 80,000 Western red lilies.
• The corporation's Environmental Management System is re-registered under the demanding ISO 14001 standard.
Copies of SaskPower's 2005 Environment Report are available online at www.saskpower.com or by calling 1-800-667-4749.
SaskPower is the principal supplier of electricity in Saskatchewan, serving more than 441,000 customers. The corporation operates with a total available capacity of approximately 3,655 megawatts, supplying customers through more than 154,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution lines. The focus of recent additions to our system is on environmentally sustainable and renewable energy sources.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (306) 566-3167 Email: lchristie@saskpower.com Cell: 1-888-536-0000 |