Table 2 Most important factors for a good power production policy
From: Transformative power production futures: citizen jury deliberations in Saskatchewan, Canada
Theme | Estevan | Regina | Saskatoon | Swift current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Most important factors for a good power production policy—day 1 | ||||
Cost/Economics | Inflation and cost of unemployment need to be considered | Consider all costs and rebates for consumers | Equitable distribution of costs to protect small-scale producers | Government needs to cover the cost of retrofitting houses and rising food prices |
Consider the economic impact of the energy options | Avoid disproportionately favouring large-scale producers | Expand GDP | ||
Education | Incorporate more resources on climate change in the curriculum | Deliver informative public education tailored to the specific audience, devoid of sales tactics | Revise school syllabi to incorporate science-centered programs for everyone | Prioritize additional testing of SMRs and CCS, then expand wind and solar projects |
Promote awareness of global climate action activities | Proper public consultation on diverse energy alternatives and decisions | Facilitate the exchange of university and scientific knowledge within the community | ||
Create recognition for companies, networking systems, and websites with clean energy/low emissions | ||||
Environment | Integration of multiple factors, including waste management, transportation, and water while avoiding conflicts | Sustainable alternatives considering future generation | Assess environmental impacts for future generations considering the whole life cycle of all technologies | Consider the impact of extreme climate events |
| Â | Consider all impacts of climate change | Â | Consider a sustainable energy option that is going to last | |
Decision-making | Governments should cooperate and everyone needs to do their part | Transparency in everything, including risks, financial implications, public consultation, goals, and vision | Incorporate Indigenous knowledge and promote Indigenous partnership with leadership involvement | Â |
Access to information | ||||
Most important factors for a good power production policy—day 2 | ||||
Social impact/cost | Solutions should be cost-effective for vulnerable people | Cost should not hinder the goal | Energy must be affordable to all | Capacity for GDP growth |
Employment considerations are important | Prioritize provincial well-being over generating profit | Cost considerations from inception to disposal | Ensuring general financial stability | |
Comprehensive end-of-life cycle planning for power production | ||||
Education | Provide education through clear communication | Unbiased education | More consultation and education | Need better and more understanding of nuclear energy |
Organize public forums for engagement | Easier access to information | Gradual implementation and testing of CCS | ||
Environment | Government should adopt a proactive role and lead in addressing climate change | Local interests should be a priority | A comprehensive plan to reduce GHGs | Need full story, long-term consideration of risks, benefits, human cost, and transparency |
Decision-making | All inclusive of people and options | Transparency of information and decisions with disciplinary action for failure | Create an ongoing community committee consultation model | Â |
Engagement forums with the community | ||||