There are tremendous possibilities. All of the alternate energy options will create many more jobs than the petroleum and coal sectors, which are heavily capital intensive. We could develop a whole range of new local businesses. Wind and solar energy are the real alternatives for the Third World, and there are great export possibilities. At the very least, we should be converting our coal-fired plants, using natural gas turbines.
Natural gas is cleaner and far more efficient.
These turbines can be designed to meet local needs, eliminating the need for the long distance grid systems which waste so much power. Natural gas turbines are a very good system for backing up wind and solar energy operations. There are also many opportunities for co-generation, combined production of heat and electricity. We need to explore the possibility of developing biomass energy. All of this means that we must put the needs of Saskatchewan people ahead of the demands of the U.S. market and the drive of private energy firms for increased profits.