Readers offer their opinion on small modular nuclear reactors in Saskatchewan and an option in Saskatoon for sustainable grocery shopping.
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I agree with Karen Kowalenko-Evjen’s Feb. 14 letter that Saskatchewan’s water resources require careful stewardship, but I am surprised at her “outrage” that the carbon tax is being used to support small modular reactors.
Zero-carbon, emission-free nuclear power is literally the most effective way to decarbonize using funds from the carbon tax.
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The math is simple: One 300 megawatt small modular reactor running at 95 per cent capacity factor for a design life of 60 years will produce about 150 terawatt-hours (TWh) of emissions-free electricity.
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On the other hand, 300 megawatts of wind turbines running at a capacity factor of 36 per cent for a design life of 25 years will produce only about 24 TWh. Solar has a similar lifespan to wind, but an even lower capacity factor of about 17 per cent, yielding only about 11 TWh from the same installed capacity.
Critically, the intermittency of wind and solar generation means vast amounts of power would have to be stored (or more realistically, imported) for extended calm streaks and/or intermittent generation would need to be wastefully overbuilt.
What about the cost of nuclear power? Here’s an analogy: I am happy to pay a high price for reliable cast-iron pans I can pass on to the next generation, instead of replacing cheap and unreliable Teflon every few years.
Brahm Neufeld, Saskatoon
Sustainable food offered in Saskatoon
In the recent op-ed, “Survey suggests Sask. folks open to sustainable food choices,” the author shows that Saskatchewan people are interested in eating more sustainably. By doing so, people can make a difference, improving their own health and the health of the planet.
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Happily, people in Saskatoon can do that by shopping at Steep Hill Food Co-op on Broadway at 10th Street. It is an independent, community-owned, non-profit grocery store with a focus on sustainable, healthy food where everyone is welcome.
Its small space offers a surprisingly wide range of products — from organic and local vegetables and fruits, to certified organic beef, bison and pork to vegan and gluten free plant-based protein offerings. Bulk organically grown grains, seeds, dry beans, and flours avoid waste from excess packaging.
There is a wide range of organic herbs, spices and baking supplies for do-it-yourself cooks. Environmentally friendly cleaning and personal care products help customers protect our water quality. It has both local and organic choices for dairy products, canned goods, snacks and treats.
The store also sells non-organic essentials, allowing neighbourhood residents to meet their daily grocery needs within walking distance. Steep Hill makes it easy and affordable for folks to make those small changes that help our planet!!
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Cathy Holtslander, volunteer Steep Hill board member, Saskatoon
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