Environment

Environmental responsibility

Our environmental responsibility 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.

 

valley landscape

 

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; and
  • equipment used in operations.


Improving our operational efficiency

We've reduced our emissions from operations by 17 per cent compared to 2019 levels.

Year-over-year emissions reductions

In 2023-24, we achieved year-over-year GHG emissions reductions of 8,000 tonnes CO2e, which is equivalent to taking more than 1,800 vehicles off the road. Contributing
to this result was more efficient and prioritized compressor operation and vent capture technology. In addition, reported gas line flaring and venting decreased, and improvements to data measurement have resulted in more accurate emissions reporting.

Optimizing our electricity use

Last year, SaskEnergy’s first large-scale solar project was constructed at our town border station (TBS) in south Regina. During 2023-24, we added three additional solar systems at our TBS in north Regina, at our Swift Current Service Centre, and at our Success compressor station. Over the next six years, several other facilities will be converted to generate solar power for the purpose of offsetting our overall power consumption.

We have also been installing solar panels at our natural gas pressure reduction stations and compressor sites for more than 10 years. In 2023-24, we installed 85-watt solar panels with seven-day battery capacity at an additional 40 sites. More than 440 sites throughout the province now include solar power.

Capturing and rerouting compressor emissions

SaskEnergy has been installing emissions reduction devices on our compressors since 2016. These devices capture vent gas and redirect it into the engine air intake for use as a supplemental fuel source.

We now have 30 compressors outfitted with emissions reduction devices and in 2023-24, the technology resulted in a reduction of more than 4,200 tonnes of CO2e emissions and saved nearly $30,000 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. 

Residential and commercial end-use emissions have declined by nearly 20 per cent over the last 20 years due to energy efficiency programs, 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.

More than 54,000 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 about 12,500 vehicles off the road each year.

person holding cut out of green house made of grass, with real grass in the ground in background

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.