Energy Mega-Projects and Alternatives

Lesson 1

Learning Goals

• Review the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources;• Learn about Canada's energy megaprojects;• Evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of energy megaprojects;• Examine the pros and cons of various types of alternative energy;• Recognize Canada's progress with alternative energy sources

Energy

• In Canada over 80% of our energy production is from non-renewable sources• There is a limit to non-renewable sources, once

they are used the total amount decreases.• If sustainable development is a goal, then

implementing less harmful alternatives to powering our nation should become a priority.• Using alternative energy should be our lifestyle

Energy Megaprojects

• Megaprojects cost billions of dollars to create but the resource that is extracted or harnessed is worth that much more.• Megaprojects in Canada:• Oil Sands (oil)• Hibernia (oil)• Churchill Falls (hydro)• James Bay (hydro) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nJ5NpHWqWs

Megaprojects con’t

• Megaprojects have been said to have many negative effects, despite their benefits• Negative effects include impacts on the

environment, impacts on the people nearby and changes to animal habitat and communities.• Hydro-electric generation has negative effects

on animal habitat because the redirection of waterways

Check Your Understanding• 1. Which of the following is extracted from the sands in northern Alberta?• A) Water• B) Coal• C) Uranium• D) Oil

• 2. Redirecting and damming waterways creates ________________energy such as the Churchill Falls project

• 3. What is the potential danger of Hibernia project?

Alternative Sustainable Energy Sources

• Sustainable energy sources are renewable, low-impact sources which are non-depleting with minimal environmental impacts.•Geothermal, wind,

biomass, tidal, and solar energy

Clean Air Renewable Energy Coalition• Formed by a group of corporate,

environmental non-governmental organizations and municipal governments•Want to accelerate the

development of Canada’s renewable energy industry•Goal is to have renewable

energy account for a minimum of 15% by 2020

Check Your Understanding• 1. Which of the following is NOT considered a sustainable alternative energy

source?• A) Wind• B) Coal • C) Tides• D) Solar•

• 2. The goal of the Clean Air Renewable Energy Coalition is to have renewable energy (other than hydro) account for a minimum of ____% of Canada’s electricity production by 2020