March 12, 2021
Achieving net zero for Canada by 2050 is a “monumental but achievable” goal that, according to a new draft from SNC-Lavalin, requires extensive commitment. In all areas of low-carbon power generation, investments in technical solutions are required, while the reliability, resilience and effectiveness of the power grid are key to effectively supporting the electrification of other economic sectors.
(Image: SNC-Lavalin)
The Canadian government announced plans in 2019 to convert the country’s economy to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. SNC-Lavalin’s design, Engineering Net Zero (Canada), draws on the company’s know-how and experience to recommend from a design, engineering or structure, and operation and maintenance perspective: key actions that are required to meet the challenges associated with this goal.
Canada needs to triple its power generation over the next 30 years to enable electrification of its economic sectors, and this will require the simultaneous development of all available zero carbon generation technologies simultaneously, including large and small nuclear reactors, and renewables and hydropower, the report finds. “A step-by-step approach just isn’t going to work,” they say.
Recommendations include: work to build a more interconnected power grid to balance operations, enable greater integration of renewable energies and effectively support electrification in other economic sectors; Initiating “early build” projects for energy sources such as hydropower and nuclear power, which can take a long time to develop, while technologies such as wind and solar are developed “quickly” to cope with load increases; Accelerating pilot projects on carbon capture and storage; Accelerate research programs on hydrogen and other alternative fuels; and advising industry on developing the Net Zero 2050 Plan.
“To accomplish this monumental task, Canada’s policymakers and industry urgently need to address a number of technical, economic and collaborative challenges related to the decarbonization of the economy,” said Dale Clarke, president of SNC-Lavalin for infrastructure services. “Jobs and growth are fueled by massive investments in existing, emerging and disruptive technologies. Collaboration and collaboration between governments at all levels, including the private sector, indigenous communities and other stakeholders, will be essential. The ambitious target for 2050 may Effectively position Canada as the world leader in low-carbon technologies and practices in all sectors of the economy. As an advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SNC-Lavalin is committed to supporting the development of zero-greenhouse gas solutions both here in Canada and globally. “
Researched and written by World Nuclear News
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