To establish a fulsome understanding of the regional energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Upper Skeena, an energy use and emissions baseline was developed as a integral part of the research of the Regional Energy Plan.
The energy use and emissions baseline give us the insight into the depth of the energy issues that the Region faces.
EMMISSIONS BASELINE
The Regional Energy Plan (REP) used all sources of energy use- BC Hydro, diesel, propane, wood, and fuel oil- to develop an energy use and emissions baseline for the rural Upper Skeena region. Estimated energy costs per year for small-scale participants included in its case studies are broken down in the table below.
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Bear Claw Lodge
Stick Frame Home
Log Home
Madii Lii
Energy use from larger scale participants (communities of Anspayaxw and Sik-e-Dakh), was estimated based on heating source by home, and was averaged based on ‘per home’ energy consumption.
GHG EMISSIONS PROFILE
The table below shows a profile of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by fuel source. The provided analysis highlights that Bear Claw Lodge and Anspayaxw contribute significantly to GHG emissions, mainly due to the high use of diesel-generated electricity at the Bear Claw Lodge and substantial wood use in Anspayaxw. It's positive to note that all project participants are actively seeking more affordable and sustainable energy solutions to reduce costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Bear Claw Lodge
Stick Frame
Home
Log Home
Madii Lii
Anspayaxw
Sik-e-Dakh
TOTAL
(kgCO2e)
(kgCO2e)
(kgCO2e)
(kgCO2e)
(kgCO2e)
The baseline emissions emphasize the significance of BC Hydro-generated electricity in the energy landscape of the rural Upper Skeena region. Although BC Hydro-generated electricity accounts for an estimated 50% of energy consumption, it only accounts for 9% of emissions. This is due to the vast majority of BC Hydro electricity coming from hydropower sources, which are considered clean and have lower greenhouse gas emissions.
In comparison, diesel-generated electricity, and wood respectively account for 8% and 38% of energy consumption but contribute to 32% and 43% of emissions in the rural Upper Skeena region. While diesel-generated electricity has a relatively small share of energy consumption, it has a significant impact on emissions, indicating a high carbon intensity.
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Our data suggests that wood represents 38% of energy consumption, while contributing to 43% of emissions. Wood, while a substantial source of energy, has a high emissions impact, likely due to combustion-related emissions.
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A comparative analysis on energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with different fuel sources for space and water heating in the Upper Skeena region, with the assumption of an average home's energy consumption being 88.6 GJ, reveal the following. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from:
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Electricity: 262 kgCO2e- represents the lowest emissions option for space and water heating
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Fuel Oil: 6,102 kgCO2e- significantly higher emissions compared to electricity
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Wood: 1,681 kgCO2e- lower emissions compared to fuel oil
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Wood Pellets: 1,652 kgCO2e- similar emissions to wood,
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Propane: 5,418 kgCO2e- high emissions similar to fuel oil
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While electricity is presented as a low-emission option for space and water heating in the Upper Skeena region, there are practical challenges associated with its reliance, such as power outages and brownouts. This suggests that a comprehensive and balanced approach considering both emissions and practical considerations is necessary when planning energy solutions for the region.
ubstantial source of energy, has a high emissions impact, likely due to combustion-related emissions.
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Opportunity for Greenhouse Gas Reduction
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Transition from Diesel: There is a potential for significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by transitioning away from diesel-generated electricity, given its relatively high emissions contribution.
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Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Implementing energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits, especially in community residences with respect to wood burning, could be beneficial. Improving heat retention in houses, particularly in Kispiox Village, could reduce reliance on wood and decrease the need for burning to meet heating requirements.
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Significant Opportunity: The transition from diesel electric generation and the reduction in wood burning present substantial opportunities for GHG emission reduction in the rural Upper Skeena region.
A focus on transitioning away from high-emission sources like diesel-generated electricity and addressing wood burning through energy efficiency measures presents a strategic approach to reducing GHG emissions in the region. It highlights the importance of considering both the energy source and consumption patterns in developing sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.