Environmental sustainability
Our environmental sustainability efforts focus on:
- Reducing emissions from our operations
- Supporting customers in reducing end-use emissions
- Protecting the local environment, including plant life, wildlife, water bodies, native prairie and species at risk.
Reducing our emissions from operations by 35 per cent by 2030
SaskEnergy is committed to the responsible delivery of energy to the residents, businesses and industries of Saskatchewan. We have set a target to reduce our emissions from operations by 35 per cent, from 2019 levels, by 2030.
This includes emissions from:
- our natural gas system
- heating offices and facilities
- electricity use
- equipment used in operations.
Improving our operational efficiency
We've reduced our emissions from operations by nearly 35,000 tonnes CO2e from 2019 levels, or 10 per cent, which is like taking more than 7,500 vehicles off the road.
Year-over-year emissions reductions
In 2021-22, SaskEnergy achieved year-over-year GHG emissions reductions of 22,000 tonnes CO2e, or seven per cent, which is like taking more than 4,700 vehicles off the road. The decrease in emissions was primarily due to recent infrastructure projects that resulted in lower compression requirements on our system, and which include more efficient operating equipment.
Optimizing our electricity use
In 2021-22, we began a two-year project to install energy management software at our Regina Service Centre facility. This software will allow for real-time energy consumption monitoring from various electrical and natural gas equipment. With consumption data, we can identify opportunities to further optimize the operation of the building.
For more than a decade, we've been installing solar panels at our natural gas pressure reduction stations and compressor sites. In 2021-22, we added 85-watt solar panels and seven-day battery capacity at 40 sites. More than 200 sites throughout the province are now solar powered and another 40 sites are targeted in 2022-23.
Capturing and rerouting compressor emissions
Since 2016, SaskEnergy has installed emissions-capturing devices on all new compressors. We also retrofitted existing compressors to reduce emissions from day-to-day operations. Throughout 2021-22, this technology captured 190,000 m3 of vented gas from compressors and rerouted it to be used as fuel. This resulted in emissions reductions of 3,100 tonnes CO2e and saved $32,000 in fuel costs.
Reducing customer emissions
Helping customers reduce their emissions and meet their environmental goals is an important part of our energy stewardship strategy. It is also an area in which immediate environmental impacts can be made.
Average residential gas usage in Saskatchewan declined by 20 per cent over the last 20 years due to improved building design and more efficient natural gas appliances. Decreasing energy usage is the most effective way for customers to reduce their emissions. SaskEnergy’s customer programs support the installation of high-efficiency equipment to optimize natural gas use. This allows customers to reduce end-use emissions and save money.
Nearly 35,000 tonnes of CO2e per year are now being saved in emissions by customers who have participated in our energy efficiency programs. This is equal to taking more than 7,500 vehicles off the road each year.
Protecting the local environment
From project planning and design through to construction, operation and reclamation, SaskEnergy is committed to environmental stewardship. This includes plant life, wildlife, water bodies, native prairie and species at risk.