ENGI 9855 Energy and the Environment

Environmental impacts of using fossil fuels for energy generation

in remote/rural communities of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presenter-
Introduction

Selection of location –

 Nain Labrador
 Hopedale, Labrador
Nain  Ramea, Newfoundland
Hopedale
• All three remote communities rely on diesel
generation and have huge potential for renewable
energy sources availability.

• Newfoundland and Labrador government is

encouraging sustainable energy and supporting rural
communities in shifting to clean energy.

Ramea

Memorial University of Newfoundland 2

Introduction

• Newfoundland and Labrador’s total GHG emissions

were 10.6 Mt in 2014, which represents 1.4% of total
national annual GHG emissions.

• Newfoundland and Labrador is 4th highest GHG emitter

per capita.

Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Nain, Labrador
• Nain is located in the north-most
location of Labrador.

• Community has a population of

1210 and is off-grid.

• Remote community relies on

diesel generator power to fulfill
community energy demands.

• Total annual energy demand for

the community is 9280 MWh.

Source : NLhydro energy distribution map

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Nain, Labrador - Energy Scenario

% of diesel fuel used for energy generation • Diesel fuel consumption by

16.5% 16.1% the remote community is
16.1% of the total fuel
consumption by the province
9.0%
7.9% 7.9% for energy generation.
6.9% 6.4%
5.8%
5.1% 5.1%
3.2%
2.5% 2.0% • Diesel is supplied by ship,
1.6% 1.1%
0.9% 0.7% 0.6% 0.5%
0.4% and three diesel Genset are
HI
S H
NA
IN
DA
LE
IG
HT
OW
N
OV
IK R
OU AM
EA
PSO
N
OL
ET
VI
LL
E IS
E W T IC
KL
E
AN
'S
CO
IS
IV
ER
LLU
M
IV
ER
LOU
P
BA
Y
operational to supply energy
AS PE R T
AK
K R B R M RI
G S T L D A N R A R N
W TE SI K N Y cC SE AU A
NA
TU HO
CA RT
LOT M
' S
HA
PE PO ST
B LAC B RE FR
G RE M A DI S E
O RM demand.
AR
Y HO ST R N N
CH AR T PA L'A
M R
PO
Source: NLhydro diesel fuel used by communities in Newfoundland and Labrador

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Nain, Labrador- Energy Scenario

• As Newfoundland and Labrador have a good renewable energy source, e.g.,

Hydroelectric power, this community cannot be connected from the
Maritime link or Quebec link due to high transmission costs.

• Newfoundland and Labrador is the only jurisdiction in Atlantic Canada with

remote communities that are not connected to the North American grid.

Source: Newfoundland and Labrador-Renewable energy plan

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Nain, Labrador- Energy Scenario
Uncertainty of diesel Genset operations at Nain

• NLhydro has supported Nunatsiavut Government with energy projects in remote areas. But due to frequent
maintenance issues of one of the diesel Genset (507), NLHydro has reduced its capacity.

• Hydro has proposed to replace the diesel Genset (507) for reliable operation at Nain. Still, due to the high cost
of replacement of Diesel Genset and considering greenhouse emissions, the decision is not yet made.

• Currently, the diesel generator (507) is supplying energy demand at reduced capacity, and rest two Genset is
supplying at full capacity to fulfill the community load. But it violates capacity criteria to supply safe electricity
to a community. Apart from that, there is always the risk of power outage in a community in harsh winter
weather if shipping service is not available or complete failure of the diesel Genset (507).

Source-https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nain-
power-outages-unacceptable-mayor-says-1.704429
Nain, Labrador - Environmental Impact
• Greenhouse gas emissions from diesel combustion and fuel transportation

• Risk of diesel spills in transit, causing contamination of soil and groundwater

• Delivering diesel to Canada's most remote populations can be difficult and has a negative impact on the
environment. Long distances greatly increase the possibility of spills and leaks, and even delivered, there is
still a chance of inadequate storage, with leaks potentially contaminating soil and groundwater in situ.

• There are several cases whereby communities have reported illnesses within the surrounding population
following diesel contamination incidences

Reference - https://www.marsdd.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Clean-Energy-Future-for-Canada%E2%80%99s-Remote-Communities-.pdf
 Nain, Labrador - Environmental Impact

• For instance, the Treasury Board Contaminated Sites Inventory states that at one site in the Sayisi Dene First Nation
in Manitoba, the assessment and remediation costs for diesel contamination due to leaks were $110,473 and
$3,629,871, respectively.

• Across Canada, there are many communities underserved by exclusively diesel-powered microgrids. Grid operators
cannot connect new loads when nameplate electrical capacity is reached. Families are compelled to cram into the
available housing as a result, which prevents the connection and building of additional housing stocks. Additionally,
this trend restricts the expansion of tourism, investments in infrastructure (schools, water treatment, health
services, etc.), and business activities in rural areas.
Nain, Labrador - Clean energy project
• Nain Wind Micro Grid Project was proposed in February 2021, and the government has reviewed it. Under the
environment and climate change committee [6].

• The government announced the project released in September 2021 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
from diesel energy generation. The proposed wind set-up is located 2 km from town and has a capacity of 1.8
MW to 2.3 MW.

Proposed
Wind farm

Source: https://weatherspark.com/
 Nain, Labrador - Clean energy project
• Pumped Hydro can be proposed to Nain, Labrador, to support energy demand during non-windy days or
when renewable energy is unavailable.

• To increase the penetration level of wind energy to the grid, the use of wind-pumped hydro storage hybrid
schemes appears to be the best solution.

• Pumped hydro storage can be

designed for 1350 KWh which is
equivalent to 500 batteries

• Volume requires for the storage

is 3932 m2.

Proposed
Wind farm
Elevation 200m

Possibility of
pump hydro
storage
NAIN, LABRADOR- Clean energy project
• biomass heating can be proposed to heat during harsh winters.

• NRCan’s Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) Program
to support sustainable energy
• Government of Canada Investing $300 Million in Clean Energy Projects in
Indigenous, Rural and Remote Communities
Source - https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/reducingdiesel
Ramea, Newfoundland By Nandhipan

 Population Size: 388

 Total Area: 1.89 sq. km
 Mode of connectivity: Ferry

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Company Distribution

Business industries

Public Admin: 1

Agriculture: 4

Other Services: 5

Construction: 1

Manufacturing: 1

Accommodation: 1
Retail: 2
Health Care: 1

Finance: 1
Transportation: 2
Information: 1

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 Average Hourly Load Profile Of Ramea

 Daily peak load Average Hourly Load

demand is used 700

620 610 620

to happen from 600

550
580
560 550 540
560 560
520 525 525 525
11 am to 14 pm. 500 490
449

Load Demand (kW)

 The average daily 400
395
375 375
410

350 350 340 350

load is 488.7 kW. 300

200

100

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Hours in a day

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Existing Wind-hydrogen-diesel Electricity Generation

Wind Hydrogen Diesel Load Profile

Frontier Power Systems: Hydrogen Genset 250kW 3x925kW = 2775kW Annual Peak Load =
1091kW
6x65kW = 390kW Hydrogen Electrolyser 162kW
Minimum Load = 188 kW
NL Hydro: Hydrogen Storage 2000m3 at 145
psi Daily Average Load =
3x100kW = 300kW
488.7 kW

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Existing Ramea Wind-Hydrogen-Diesel Plant

Hydrogen Generator
Hydrogen Electrolyser Hydrogen Storage
(250 kW)

Wind Turbines installed

Wind Turbines installed Community Grid
by Frontier Power
by NL Hydro
Systems
(3x100MW=300MW)
(6x65MW=390MW)

Diesel Generator
(3x925MW=2775MW)

Energy Management System

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Emission Result Of One 925KW Diesel Engine

NOX PM2.5 HC CO CO2 Fuel

Annual Results (Short 44.217 2.53 3.669 16.487 3,269.1 1.1

Tons)1 million
litres

Lifetime Results 751.695 43.006 62.367 280.272 55,575.1 18.7

(Short Tons)1 million
litres

1. 1 short ton=2000 lbs

DEQ Tool: https://cfpub.epa.gov/quantifier/index.cfm?action=main.home

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Monthly Wind Speed At Ramea
 Maximum wind speed Monthly average wind speed (m/s) at Ramea

has been found in 9.00 8.48

8.09
8.45
8.00 7.72 7.74
January (8.48 m/s). 7.07 7.17
7.00
 June has the minimum 6.00 5.84
6.58

6.00 5.63 5.65

average wind speed (5.63

Wind Speed (m/s)

5.00
m/s). 4.00
 Average wind speed of 3.00

the existing wind turbine 2.00

facilities is 7.04 m/s. 1.00

0.00
ry ry ch il ay ne ly st be
r er be
r
be
r
a a ar pr Ju Ju u ob
nu b ru M A M ug te
m ct em em
Ja Fe
A p O ov ec
Se N D

Source: NASA Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource (POWER) database.

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Shutdown Time Of Wind Turbines At Ramea

 Less shutdown hours Shutdown time of wind turbines

during the months of 160

148
152
143
138
November, December, 140

January, February, and 120 111

March. 100
84
94 95

Shutdown Hours
81
80 72 75
70

60

40

20

0
ry ry ch il ay ne ly st be
r er be
r
be
r
a a ar pr Ju Ju u ob
nu b ru M A M ug em ct em em
Ja Fe
A pt O ov ec
Se N D

Source: Data has been found by using NASA POWER database and Homer Pro

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 Capacity Factor Of Wind Turbines At Ramea

 Capacity factor in May, Capacity factor of wind turbines

June, July, and August is 0.60

0.51
lower with compared to 0.50 0.48
0.50

0.44 0.44
remaining months. 0.40 0.37 0.38
 During January and 0.31

Capacity Factor
December, wind turbines at 0.30
0.26
0.24
0.22 0.22
Ramea run at higher 0.20

capacity factor (more than

0.10
50%).
0.00
ry ry ch il ay ne ly st be
r er be
r
be
r
a a ar pr Ju Ju u ob
nu b ru M A M ug em ct em em
Ja Fe
A pt O ov ec
Se N D

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 Monthly Average Solar Radiation At Ramea

 From March to September solar Monthly Average Solar Radiation

radiation at Ramea is more 6.00

5.52
5.27
than 4 kWh/m2/day. 5.00
4.97 4.88 4.89
4.43
 From May to September, wind 4.19

Daily Radiation (kWh/m2/day)

4.00
turbines run at lower capacity 3.07
factor (26%-31%). 3.00 2.72

 Solar PV panels and wind 2.00 1.65 1.76

turbines will be used as 1.33

1.00
complementary energy source.
0.00
ry ry ch il ay ne ly st be
r er be
r
be
r
a a ar pr Ju Ju u ob
nu b ru M A M ug em ct em em
Ja Fe
A pt O ov ec
Se N D

Source: Database of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

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 Monthly Electricity Generation From PV At Ramea

 More electricity is generated Monthly Electricity Generation from PV

by PV panels from March to 80000

69747
September. 70000
63155 64270
60042 59612
59337
 During winter season 60000
50425
(November-February), PV 50000

AC Energy (kWh)
38832
panels at Ramea site are 40000
33305

unable to produce enough 30000

22648 22396

electricity. 20000 17899

10000

0
il t r er r r
a ry ar
y ch pr ay ne ly us be be be
nu u ar M Ju Ju ug ob
Ja br M A em ct em em
Fe
A pt O ov ec
Se N D

Source: NREL's PVWatts® Calculator.

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Proposed Ramea Wind-Hydrogen-Diesel Plant

Hydrogen Generator
Hydrogen Electrolyser Hydrogen Storage
(250 kW)

Wind Turbines (690 kW) & PV Community Grid

Panels (500 kW)

Diesel Generator
(3x925MW=2775MW)

Energy Management System

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HOPEDALE, LABRADOR
Geographical & Population data Figures

Population (Count) 596

Private dwellings (Count) 208

Total land area 2.18 Square Kms

Energy Scenario Figures

Power Source Fossil Fuel (Diesel)
(Electricity, HVAC, Water heating)

Power Plants 4 Diesel Generator Sets

Power plant operator Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro

Capacity 2629 kW ( 4 x 657 kW)

Annual Energy Generation 5,293,118 kWh

Net Peak power 1024 kW

Fuel Source Transported by Ships

Annual Diesel Consumption 1,485,808 Litres

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GHG Emissions and Environmental Impacts
 Besides CO2, Diesel generator exhaust also release harmful gases like benzene, arsenic, and
formaldehyde. Respiratory diseases. Oil spills. 1 Litre of fuel can contaminate 1 million litre of drinking
water.

• Affects human health. Hopedale has limited health care.

• Hopedale is a community of Indigenous people who are more deeply affected by climate change.

• Warming affects sea ice safety, frozen soil stability, transportation & ferry services, food supply .

 Environment in and around the local communities is far more sensitive to environmental changes hence,
even a small emission can disturb the local flora and fauna significantly.
GHG Emissions and Environmental Impacts

 Diesel generators can produce significant GHG Emissions.

 Emissions from Diesel power plant at Hopedale:

GHG Emission, E (Tonne) = (Q x EC x EF)/1000

 EC: Energy content factor of Diesel fuel = 38.6 GJ/kL

 EF: Emission factor of Diesel fuel = 69.5 Kg C02-e/GJ.
 Q: Annual Diesel consumption in Hopedale = 1485 kL.
 Emission, E(Tonne) = (1485 x 38.6 x 69.5)/1000
= 3983 Tonne.
Includes gases like CO, benzene, arsenic, and formaldehyde, etc.

 Challenge: Diesel is least cost, most reliable under harsh climate conditions.
Clean Energy project – Government Initiatives

 Newfoundland & Labrador government’s report “The way forward on climate change”
identifies the challenges faced by people of remote communities due to climate change.

 Nalcor Energy’s sustainability report has also identified clean energy initiatives at remote
community as their priority.

 Northern Adaptation strategy.

 Northern transportation adaptation initiative.

 ‘Inuit Priorities for Canada’s Climate Strategy: Identifies climate change alterations needed
for people in remote communities.
 Clean Energy project – Government Initiatives
 SmartICE : Initiative for monitoring of ice condition in Norther Labrador by
collaboration of traditional inuit ice experts and geographers from Memorial
University, industry, Nunatsiavut Government, federal and provincial government.

 The community is adopting methods like installation of gabion cages, wattle fences
and tree plantation reduce erosion of clay banks.
 Clean Energy project – Nunatsiavut government
 Youth Energy Training Initiative: Training of 10 Nunatsiavut beneficiaries as trainees
in developing skills in solar industry.

 Train the Trainer program: For tradespeople interested in renewable energy &
climate solutions
 Renewable (Clean) Energy potential available in Hopedale
 Hydro potential (Limited)

Site Capacity Energy (GWh) Capital investment Nominal Levelized unit

(kW) (Million $) energy cost (LUEC) – ¢/kWh
Port 530kW 3.21 GWh 16.40 33
Hopedale (60% requirement of Hopedale)

 Solar Potential (Limited)

 Moderate solar resource is available only during the few summer months.
 Average of 400 W/m2.
 24kW solar installation on Hopedale Nanuk center.

Solar Irradiation Potential

 Renewable (Clean) Energy potential available in Hopedale

 Wind potential (Reasonable)

 Wind turbines can supply 43% of the community’s energy requirement.
 Fuel saved = 41%. Avoided Co2 emissions = 1600 tonnes (per year).
Site Turbine Model Capacity (kW) Energy (GWh) Capital cost of LUEC of Optimal
Optimal design - Design- Layout 2
Layout 2 (¢/kWh)
(Million $)

Layout 1 & 2 EWT900 (1 No) & 900kW & 3.4 & 2.8 6.85 31
NPS100 (8 Nos) 800kW GWh

Wind Potential
Reducing emission from Existing Diesel generation sets

 Fuel Switching:

 Renewable diesel from natural fats and plant material and Ultra low sulphur diesel.

 Carbon pricing:
 Energy efficiency program from the revenue.

 Energy Efficiency:
 Medium level energy efficiency at homes.

 Automated fuel feed system can be adopted to reduce spillage & wastage

 Higher emissions stack.

 General conclusion and recommendations

 Our study identified that Diesel dependent communities also contribute to GHG gas emissions.

 Besides CO2, benzene, arsenic, and formaldehyde are released. With very limited Heath care
facilities, these remote communities face more hardship.

 Environment in and around these communities is far more sensitive to environmental changes
hence, even a small emission can disturb the local flora and fauna significantly.

• Warming affects sea ice safety, frozen soil stability, permafrost.

• Affects transportation & ferry services and food supply.

• Environment changes impacts the traditional and cultural activities of indigenous people.

 Climate change alters the relationship between indigenous people and its surrounding.

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 General conclusion and recommendations
 NL Government as well as Nunatsiavut government considers clean energy initiatives as priority.

 Various clean energy initiatives are under consideration.

 Wind & Battery micro grid is already approved by NL government in Nain.

 At consumer level initiatives like improving energy efficiency and awareness about adopting clean
energy methods.

 Communities are being prepared to make them more resilient to environment challenges.

 Proposed model in Remea indicates that electricity from wind turbines and PV panels can be used to
generator Hydrogen. This shall be used as fuel in Hydrogen engine which will reduce diesel
consumption and hence GHG emissions.

 Renewable projects will stimulate community’s economic growth & create Jobs
besides lowering GHG emission.

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 References
• The way forward on Climate change in Newfoundland & Labrador by Municipal affairs and environment. https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc
/files/publications-the-way-forward-climate-change.pdf
• https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=1011030&Geo2=PR&C
ode2=10&SearchText=Hopedale&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&GeoLevel=PR&GeoCode=1011030&TABID=1&type=0
• https://opendata.gov.nl.ca/public/opendata/page/?page-id=datasetdetails&id=681
• https://plan.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/574531/Appendix-O-Greenhouse-Gas-Calculations.pdf.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada (2015). Newfoundland and Labrador: Environment Profile
https://www.canada.ca/content/canadasite/en/environment-climatechange/briefing/newfoundland-and-labrador-environment-profile.html
• Stefanelli, Robert D., et al. "Renewable energy and energy autonomy: how Indigenous peoples in Canada are shaping an energy
future." Environmental Reviews 27.1 (2019): 95-105.
• https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-investing-300-million-in-clean-energy-projects-in-indigenous-rural-and-re
mote-communities-899859066.html
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nain-power-outages-unacceptable-mayor-says-1.704429
• https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/reducingdiesel
• https://townfolio.co/nl/ramea/companies
• DEQ Tool: https://cfpub.epa.gov/quantifier/index.cfm?action=main.home
• NASA Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource (POWER) database.
• Database of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
• NREL's PVWatts® Calculator. (https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php)

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Thank You