Estevan open to other energy opportunities following phase-out of coal

The mayor of Estevan wants to keep the Energy City going after the federally mandated phase-out of coal-fired electricity by 2030.

Roy Ludwig was at the Saskatchewan Legislature for Wednesday’s throne speech, which promised to create a fund of up to $10 million to help the Estevan and Coronach areas transition away from coal and develop new economic opportunities.

“We feel it’s a good start to help to mitigate with the closures of units 4 and 5 at Boundary Dam. We feel that’s a very positive step in the right direction,” Ludwig said.

The mayor said Estevan is open to pursuing anything else that will create jobs, whether that be nuclear, wind, solar, manufacturing or even cannabis production.

Ludwig couldn’t give specifics of what the money would be spent on but explained he has met with the government and there are a few ideas on the go. He said his next step is to get together with Coronach and form a committee to work out the details.

“We will be getting some money this year. How much? We don’t know. Plus, we’ll have to flesh out the meat and bones of what this means, what the parameters are to get the money and all the other associated issues,” said Ludwig.

Ludwig hopes the funds will provide a chance to expand the use of carbon capture technology, which has allowed Unit 3 at Boundary Dam to keep operating.

While Unit 4 and Unit 5 are scheduled for shutdown in 2021 and 2024 respectively, Ludwig believes carbon capture can be used to keep coal mines running.

“I believe coal has a future with green energy and we’ve proven that at Unit 3 and we will continue to prove that at Unit 6 and Shand (Power Station),” said Ludwig.