Philosophy-Case study

Case Summary

The case is focused on the controversy surrounding the possible construction of two nuclear reactors in Saskatchewan . The study argues that the province will face mounting energy shortages very soon if no alternative to traditional sources of energy - such as oil , gas and coal - is discovered . Besides mitigating energy shortages , nuclear reactors can be used in hydrogen production . Hydrogen is widely regarded as one of the cleanest and most energy efficient fuels of Earth

The case clearly establishes the set of problems that would be addressed by the proposed

solution . Saskatchewan currently relies heavily on gas and coal for electricity production : 62 of it comes from burning fossil fuels . As a consequence , Saskatchewan is responsible for nine per cent of Canada 's greenhouse gas emissions with only three per cent of the country 's population

Moreover , during the past decade , Saskatchewan recorded the second-highest increase in energy consumption in Canada after Alberta and this trend is likely to continue . One option is to explore clean coal as a source of electricity production in the long term perspective However , at the current level of technology development , and taking into consideration the high costs of clean coal processes , this option does not seem viable , especially in the light of a realistic scenario under which the province will face electricity shortages already by 2010 Other options are integrated gasification combined cycle , natural gas combined cycle , polygeneration , purchasing electricity from independent power producers or importing it , hydropower and nuclear power

Saskatchewan...