SNC-Lavalin has focused its attention on the objective to transition the Canadian economy towards a net zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions target by 2050. The report, Engineering Net Zero (Canada), provides carefully thought-out analysis and directions from thought leaders and subject matter experts inside the company. The made-in-Canada solution supports jobs, growth and a more modern economy, powered by clean energy.
The report examines the blueprint for Canada to achieve the net zero carbon target by 2050. It brings into perspective the challenges and potential solutions across economic sectors. SNC-Lavalin’s first-hand experience in projects across sectors like energy, agriculture, transportation, oil and gas, buildings, industrial, waste and water treatment provides an advantageous viewpoint on the interdependencies at play.
Recommendations from the report include:
1. East-west interconnected grid: Establish a federal-provincial committee for the Canadian electrical grid to enable greater reliability, resiliency, and efficiency through inter-provincial ties. This could pave the way for an east-west interconnected grid, that would help balance operations, enable more renewable integration, and effectively support electrification of other economic sectors.
2. Early build projects should be initiated for energy sources such as hydro and nuclear, where a single plant easily takes more than 10 years to develop. Other renewable resources, such as wind and solar, should be developed quickly to meet load increases. Emerging renewable technologies have also shown significant promise, including offshore wind, tidal, and wave power generation.
3. Carbon capture: Expedite and fund pilot carbon capture and storage projects as quickly as possible, which are the key to eliminating the balance of GHG emissions from energy intensive processes.
4. Hydrogen fuel: Accelerate current hydrogen (and other alternative fuels) research programs, with a minimum number of demonstration projects.
5. Consult industry in the development of the net zero 2050 plan, to ensure concrete, measurable and coordinated efforts are put in place, and to maximize the ROI for Canadians, both from a financial and environmental impact perspective.
Courtesy of SNC-Lavalin.