Jeremy Harrison, Minister of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan responsible for SaskPower, said that the provincial government was firmly committed to coal-fired power generation, saying that it was an essential part of the province’s energy future.
Harrison emphasised the province’s autonomy in energy decisions, saying: “Electricity generation is specifically allocated to the provinces.” The government previously announced plans to extend the operational life of Boundary Dam Unit 3 and the Shand Power Station, with Shand expected to remain operational until at least 2042. The government is now proposing potential refurbishment of other coal-fired units, including Boundary Dam Units 4, 5, and 6, and the Poplar River Power Station.
Harrison said that a final decision on refurbishments is expected by summer 2025.