Environmental effects of energy generation by using

fossil fuels in rural communities in Newfoundland and

Labrador.

Mid-term Report

Submitted By:

Ashish Vora- 202292418

Collins Ihuoma- 202291080
Sumaiya Alam Riva-202196392

For subject:

ENGI 9855

Supervised By

Dr. Amin Etminan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
LIST OF FIGURES iv
LIST OF TABLES v
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS vi
1 INTRODUCTION 7
2 ENERGY SCENARIO, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, WAY FORWARD - REMOTE
COMMUNITIES 8
2.1 NAIN, LABRADOR 8
2.1.1 ENERGY SCENARIO - NAIN, LABRADOR 8
2.1.2 UNCERTAINTY IN THE OPERATION OF DIESEL GENERATOR 9
2.1.3 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION DUE TO THE USE OF DIESEL FUEL FOR
ENERGY GENERATION 10
2.1.4 CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS AND WAY FORWARD - NAIN, LABRADOR
11
2.2 HOPEDALE, LABRADOR 13
2.2.1 ENERGY SCENARIO- HOPEDALE, LABRADOR 13
2.2.2 GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS -
HOPEDALE, LABRADOR 14
2.2.3 CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS AND THE WAY FORWARD FOR
HOPEDALE, LABRADOR 15
2.2.4 RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS AT HOPEDALE, LABRADOR 16
2.2.5 EMISSION REDUCTION IN THE EXISTING INSTALLATION
AT HOPEDALE, LABRADOR.........................................................................18
2.3 REMEA, NEWFOUNDLAND........................................................................................18
2.3.1 OBJECTIVES.....................................................................................................18
2.3.2 NATURE OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES OF RAMEA..............................19
2.3.3 CHRONOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION AT
RAMEA..............................................................................................................20
2.3.4 EXISTING WIND-HYDROGEN-DIESEL CONFIGURATION.....................21
2.3.5 NEW IDEA TO IMPLEMENT ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM.....................21
2.3.6 PROJECT PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS.........................................22
2.3.7 CURRENT CONDITION OF RAMEA PLANT...............................................23
2.3.8 EMISSION RESULTS OF DIESEL ENGINE...................................................23
2.3.9 OPTIONS FOR GHG REDUCTION.................................................................24
2.3.10 ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SITUATION.........................................................25
2.3.11 PROPOSAL OF A NEW MODEL.....................................................................29
2.4 REMOTE COMMUNITIES - DIVERGENCE/CONVERGENCE IN CLEAN ENERGY
PROJECTS, REASONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................31

CONCLUSION
LIST OF FIGURES

1.1 LOCATION OF SELECTED REMOTE COMMUNITIES 8

2.1 POSSIBILITY OF TRANSMITTING POWER FROM MARITIME & QUBECK LINK 9
2.2 PERCENTAGE OF FOSSIL FUEL USED PER RURAL COMMUNITY 10
2.3 TEMPERATURE PROJECTIONS FOR NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, 2018 11
2.4 AVERAGE WIND SPEED IN NAIN, LABRADOR 12
2.5 PROPOSED WIND-FARM AND PUMPED HYDRO STORAGE 12
2.6 AVERAGE WIND SPEED IN HOPEDALE, LABRADOR 17
2.7 ANNUAL SOLAR RADIATION AT HOPEDALE FROM NASA 17
2.8 24KW ROOF TOP SOLAR INSTALLATION AT HOPEDALE NANUK CENTRE 17
2.9 OFF-GRID COMMUNITY, RAMEA 18
2.10 DISTRIBUTION OF COMPANIES IN BUSINESS INDUSTRIES SECTOR OF RAMEA 18
2.11 RAMEA WIND-HYDROGEN-DIESEL PLANT (EXISTING) 22
2.12 MONTHLY WIND SPEED AT RAMEA 23
2.13 SHUTDOWN TIME OF WIND TURBINES AT RAMEA 24
2.14 CAPACITY FACTOR OF WIND TURBINES AT RAMEA 26
2.15 HOURLY WIND SPEED AT RAMEA 27
2.16 MONTHLY AVERAGE SOLAR RADIATION AT RAMEA 28
2.17 MONTHLY ELECTRICITY GENERATION FROM PV AT RAMEA 28
2.18 AVERAGE HOURLY LOAD PROFILE OF RAMEA 29
2.19 RAMEA WIND-HYDROGEN-DIESEL PLANT (PROPOSED) 30
LIST OF TABLES

2.1 ENERGY SCENARIO FOR NAIN, LABRADOR, 2021………………………………………… 9

2.2 ENERGY SCENARIO FOR HOPEDALE, LABRADOR, 2021………………………………… 13
2.3 HISTORY OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION AT RAMEA 20
2.4 EXISTING ELECTRICITY GENERATION SYSTEM AT RAMEA 21
2.5 EMISSION RESULT OF ONE 925KW DIESEL ENGINE 23
2.6 SUMMARY OF THE CALCULATION 29
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

CAD Canadian Dollar

EC Energy Content Factor of Diesel Fuel
EF Emission Factor of Diesel Fuel
GHG Greenhouse Gas
KW Kilo Watt
KWh Kilo Watt Hour
MWh Mega Watt Hour
psi pounds per square inch
PPA Power Purchase Agreement
IPP Independent Power Producer
IC Internal Combustion
NLHydo Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
EMS Energy Management System
DEQ Diesel Emissions Quantifier
CETC CANMET Energy Technology Centre
NRCan Natural Resources Canada
UNB University of New Brunswick
BTL Biomass To Liquid
HRSG Heat Recovery Steam Generator
PV Photo Voltaic
NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory
POWER Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource
 1. INTRODUCTION

The easternmost province of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, is home to a breathtaking and
varied natural landscape that includes rocky coastlines, untainted forests, and an abundance of
freshwater resources. Despite its stunning natural surroundings, the province has a number of
environmental problems, particularly in its rural areas where energy production is concerned. In the
past, Newfoundland and Labrador's rural areas relied heavily on the production of energy using fossil
fuels like coal and oil. While these sources have contributed to both economic and energy security,
they have also posed serious environmental risks.

Growing environmental concern is being expressed regarding the effects of fossil fuel energy
production in rural Newfoundland and Labrador communities. It is crucial to assess and comprehend
the specific effects of fossil fuel-based energy generation on this particular and ecologically delicate
region as the world community struggles with the effects of climate change and looks for sustainable
energy solutions. In rural Newfoundland and Labrador, using fossil fuels to generate energy has
negative environmental effects that are the focus of this essay. It will examine a variety of aspects of
this problem, such as ecosystem disruptions, air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and
their effects on the environment and the communities that live in these rural areas. As we move
towards more sustainable energy sources, we will also consider potential alternatives and solutions to
lessen these environmental problems.

In terms of greenhouse gas emissions per resident, Newfoundland and Labrador ranks fourth among
all the Canadian provinces. In 2014, the province's total GHG emissions were 10.6 Mt, or 1.4% of all
annual national GHG emissions. It's crucial to develop alternative renewable energy sources for
energy generation in Newfoundland and Labrador to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although
remote communities' greenhouse gas emissions may not be as high as those of urban areas, because
they are not connected to the grid, diesel generators are continuously running throughout the year,
which can significantly increase their contribution to global warming.

Additionally, the environment in and around these isolated communities is much more sensitive to
changes in the environment. Even a minor environmental disturbance can have a significant impact
on local wildlife and flora, as well as on people. Two Inuit communities that depend heavily on their
natural surroundings are Hopedale and Nain, and any disruption to it has a significant impact on
them. For instance, a rise in temperature disturbs the stability of frozen soil and sea ice conditions,
which has an impact on the transportation network and, consequently, the food supply chain to these
communities.

Figure 1.1: Location of the selected remote communities

There may be opportunities to implement other renewable projects like hydro and solar in remote
communities like Nain, Hopedale, and Ramea because of their abundant wind resources. This essay
discusses the three locations' current energy situation, the environmental effects of using fossil fuels
there, as well as the energy-related challenges they are currently facing. The paper then describes
how to move forward with implementing new, potentially renewable energy projects in addition to
the clean energy initiatives already in place. The actions being taken by the government and various
other bodies are also discussed.

2. ENERGY SCENARIO, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND THE WAY FOR WARD -

REMOTE COMMUNITIES

2.1 NAIN, LABRADOR

2.1.1 ENERGY SCENARIO- NAIN , LABRADOR

In Labrador's farthest north, Nain is situated. Nain has 1210 residents and is not part of the
Newfoundland grid. The community receives its diesel supply from ships, and its annual diesel
consumption is 2,861,293 litres. 9,280 MWh are required to meet the community's entire energy
needs. Four diesel gensets provide the community's energy needs. Because of the high cost of
transmission and the fact that Newfoundland and Labrador have a reliable renewable energy source,
such as hydroelectric power, this community cannot be connected to the Maritime link or Quebec
link.2. In terms of remote communities in Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador is the only
province to lack a grid connection to the continent.

Figure 2.1: Possibility of transmitting power from maritime and Nova scotia link [1]

By 2026, the Newfoundland and Labrador government wants to replace emissions from fossil fuel use
with emissions from electricity generated by diesel by increasing electrification. 92% of the total installed
capacity in Newfoundland and Labrador is made up of renewable energy sources.

Criteria Value
Capacity (kW) 3,945
Means of Fuel Transportation Ship
Number Of Generator Sets 4
Fuel Storage on Site (Litres) 13,65,400
Annual Supplied Gross Generation (kWh/yr) 96,00,314
Annual Consumer Demand (MWh/yr) 9,280
Annual Fuel Consumption (Litres) 26,41,235
Net Peak (kW) 2279

Table 2.1: Energy scenario for Nain, Labrador, 2021 [2]

2.1.2 UNCERTAINTY IN THE OPERATION OF DIESEL GENERATOR

Nain, Labrador, consumes 16% of the total amount of diesel used by Newfoundland and Labrador's
rural communities. According to the NLHYDRO report on the reliability of diesel gensets at the Nain
location, diesel units required CAD $25,000 in maintenance over the course of 10,000 operating
hours [7]. The community's growing workload, the high rate of obsolescence, and the difficulty of
performing routine maintenance in a remote location are the causes of the high maintenance costs.
The diesel generator set's original equipment manufacturer has stopped producing it, making repairs
impractical in light of previous attempts to address overheating problems and high obsolescence. Its
replacement with a fresh diesel generator set is the only option.

Figure 2.2: Percentage of fossil fuel used per rural community [2]

The Nain location experienced a significant power outage in January 2013. Two diesel generators
failed simultaneously, and many power outages were reported after 2013 as a result of diesel
generator maintenance problems. The population of the neighborhood has grown, as has the load
demand, since 2010. Peak power demand in 2010 was 1541 kW, and it increased by 12% to 2085 kW
in 2019. Peak demand is predicted to be 2297 kW in 2022. The majority of the community's energy
needs are met by homes and heating, and fisheries are important. Since Nain is located in Labrador's
most northerly area, the winters there are particularly harsh, and energy demand increases
significantly.

Energy projects in outlying areas have been assisted by NLHYDRO on behalf of the Nunatsiavut
Government. However, NLHYDRO has decreased its capacity because of ongoing problems with one
of the diesel gen-sets. To ensure reliable operation at Nain, Hydro has suggested replacing the
damaged diesel generator. It has not yet been decided whether to replace the new diesel generator due
to the high cost of doing so and concerns about greenhouse emissions. Currently, one of the diesel
generators is malfunctioning and only operates at a reduced capacity, while the other generators are
operating at full capacity to serve the entire community load. However, it doesn't meet the
requirements for a community's ability to receive safe electricity. In addition, there is always a
chance that a community will experience a power outage because a shipping service is unavailable or
a diesel generator fails.

2.1.3 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION DUE TO THE USE OF DIESEL FUEL FOR ENERGY
GENERATION

Newfoundland and Labrador is already experiencing the effects of climate change. Hurricanes and
tropical storms now occur more frequently than they did a century ago, and coastal erosion, sea level
rise, and sea surge have an impact on coastal and marine areas. About 0.8°C above historical
averages, the annual average temperature. Travel in northern Labrador may be impacted by the rate at
which Newfoundland and Labrador's winter season is shortening, which in some areas could be up to
four to five weeks.

The main cause of greenhouse gas emissions is the production of energy from fossil fuels. The
environment and health of the small community of Nain are significantly impacted by its complete
reliance on diesel generation. As each diesel generator can run at its nameplate rating, it also prevents
community growth in addition to greenhouse gas emissions caused by the use of fossil fuels. Any
community growth will result in a higher need for energy, necessitating the purchase of an additional
diesel generator set, an expensive option for meeting the increased demand. Since the peak energy
demand for 2025 is predicted to be 2333 kW, a 2% increase over the peak energy demand for 2022 is
expected. It is difficult to transport diesel to Nain because it is situated in the northernmost region of
Labrador. Diesel spills while being transported by ship are a possibility, as is diesel leaking from
storage. Leaks can contaminate the soil and groundwater in the surrounding areas, which is extremely
dangerous and harmful to the community [8]. In Manitoba, a remote community in Canada, there was
only one case reported, and remediation was estimated to have cost $3.6 million.

Figure 2.3: Climate Zone for Newfoundland and Labrador [3]

2.1.4 CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS AND WAY FORWARD - NAIN, LABRADOR

The Nain Wind Micro Grid Project was put forth in February 2021 and has been examined by the
government. under the committee on climate change and the environment. To reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from the production of diesel energy, the government announced a project that would be
released in September 2021. The proposed wind installation is 2 km from the town and has a 1.8 MW
to 2.3 MW capacity.

To meet energy needs on days without wind or when renewable energy sources are not available,
pumped hydro can be suggested for Nain, Labrador. The best way to increase the amount of wind
energy entering the grid is to use hybrid wind-pumped hydro storage systems.

Since Nain is a remote location, it would not be practical to connect it to the Newfoundland power
grid to provide backup power in the event of a power outage. The Nain wind-battery-diesel project is
the largest implementation to date, so finding another energy source to support operations on calm
days is crucial. Because communities' load demands are rising and more energy storage will be
needed in the future, wind-battery systems may be a costly solution to implement.

Pumped hydro storage can be suggested for the hilly area, which is elevated 200 meters from the
nearby pond, as shown in Figure 2.5. Due to construction costs, the pumped-hydro project may have
a high initial cost, but over the long run, it will be a cost-effective solution. Additionally, the
development of agriculture and the creation of more jobs are both aided by pumped hydro.

Figure 2.5: Proposed wind-farm and pumped hydro storage (Source- Google map)

For remote heating in communities, biogas can be a useful solution. Although it is an outdated
method of generating energy, biogas is both economical and environmentally friendly. Because
methane burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, switching to another fuel is another option for lowering
greenhouse gas emissions. In order to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles, fuel switching can also
be done in transportation. Due to a lack of understanding and the expensive electricity provided as a
result of the project, implementing renewable energy plans in remote communities also has some
social effects. The Canadian government has started a number of initiatives to help off-grid
communities adopt clean energy.

It is not feasible to implement 100% clean energy projects right away in Nain, Labrador, due to
problems with renewable energy source availability. However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in
remote communities is possible with the help of fuel switching, more energy-efficient products,
electrifying transportation, and working with customers to lower peak demand.
2.2 HOPEDALE, LABRADOR
2.2.1 ENERGY SCENARIO- HOPEDALE, LABRADOR

In the northern part of Labrador, Hopedale is home to an Inuit community. There are 596 people living in
208 private homes within the community, which has a total land area of 2.18 square kilometres. The
Nunatsiavut assembly convenes in Hopedale. 4 Diesel Generator sets with a combined installed capacity
of 2629 kW supply all of the community's energy requirements. Operator of these diesel generator sets is
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. The region's peak power demand is 1024 kW, and annual energy
production is 5,293,118 kWh. Hopedale is reached by a ship using fossil fuels, with a total diesel
consumption of 1485 Kilo liters.

As can be seen from Table 2.2, Hopedale's energy needs are entirely met by fossil fuels. Domestic
loads are the main consumers of energy, with home heating and water heating being the two biggest
consumers. According to figure 2.2, Hopedale, one of Canada's remote communities, consumes 9%
of all fossil fuels used by remote communities, placing it third among them all. Since the community
does not currently produce any renewable energy and is situated in one of the province's most
northern regions, there is no way for it to connect to the local grid. Due to the need for expensive
infrastructure as well as challenging and remote terrain, the cost of installing a transmission and
distribution network up to the community will be excessive.

2.2.2 GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS - HOPE DALE,
LABRADOR
Nowadays, people are aware that using fossil fuels is one of the main causes of global warming and
that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to return global temperatures to pre-industrial
levels. Indigenous people who live in Hopedale are incredibly reliant on the natural world around
them. The effects of climate change on the local population are much more severe even though there
are less GHG emissions than in urban areas. Even a small emission can cause significant harm to the
local flora and fauna because the environment in and around local communities is much more
sensitive to environmental changes.

Along with carbon dioxide, harmful gases like benzene, arsenic, and formaldehyde are released by
diesel generator exhaust. These may lead to respiratory illnesses in the neighborhood. It is very
difficult for the locals to manage the negative effects of using the current energy generation method
because there aren't any medical facilities nearby. Currently, oil is fed manually into the generator
sets that are in use, which can result in oil spills on land, and diesel is transported to Hopedale via
ships, which can result in spills in the ocean. A million liters of drinking water can be contaminated
by one liter of diesel, it is important to remember this. Additionally, the emission caused by the use
of fossil fuels is increased by the transportation of fuel by ships. As a result, using fossil fuels has
serious negative effects. The recent oil spill at Postville demonstrated how an oil spill can impact the
nearby indigenous community, their food chain, as well as the local wildlife.

The difficulty for remote communities is that the least expensive and most dependable method of
generating energy is diesel generation, particularly in the harsh winter climate. The diesel generator
sets are simple to maintain even with a small maintenance staff. Due to the generator sets' continuous
operation throughout the year in remote communities with lower installed power capacities, there
may be significant emissions from these areas as well. The energy content factor (EC), emission
factor (EF), and annual diesel consumption all contribute to the emissions from a diesel plant. Diesel
fuel has an EC of 38.6 GJ/kL and an EF of 69.5 KgC02-e/GJ. 1485 kilo liters of diesel are consumed
in Hopedale each year. This causes a total annual emission of 3983 tons of greenhouse gases,
including formaldehyde, benzene, arsenic, and other gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

2.2.3 CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS AND THE WAY FORWARD FOR HOPEDALE,
LABRADOR

The use of fossil fuels is a recognized cause of climate change, and the rate of warming in the Arctic
is nearly twice as fast as the rest of the world, according to a report by the Newfoundland
government. The native population in towns like Hopedale is being impacted much more severely by
this. Frozen soil instability and dangerous sea ice conditions are some effects of global warming. The
food supply chain, ship services, and import of goods and services are all impacted by this. Winter
transportation services are also impacted. The provincial government and the government of
Nunatsiavut have undertaken various initiatives, including:

1. Collaboration with Northern communities and the Nunatsiavut government to comprehend the
unique requirements of the Inuit community, identify issues, and look for potential opportunities
to plan climate change actions at Hopedale.

2. Participation in the development of the federal government's Arctic policy framework. This policy
aims to combat climate change's effects and advance the ecosystem health of the Arctic and the
North.

3. Participation in Northern Adaptation Strategy. By acting to adapt to the changing environment,

this strategy aims to build economies and communities that can flourish for many years. It
requires both anticipatory (changing our behavior before the effects of climate change become
apparent) and responsive (being ready to adjust to extreme climate change occurrences like
hurricanes, floods, etc.) actions. Controlling risks and ensuring that Northern infrastructure,
ecosystems, and cultures are adaptable to changing conditions are both necessary for adaptation.

4. The permafrost is melting as a result of climate change, which has an impact on the road system
in places like Hopedale. Similar to this, the risks connected with ship transportation are rising as
a result of the shifting sea ice conditions. With this initiative, money will be allocated to help
Hopedale deal with its particular problems.

5. The goal of SmartICE is to keep an eye on the ice conditions in Northern Labrador. This is a
collaborative effort between the traditional Inuit ice experts, Memorial University geographers,
business, and the government. The gathered information and its analysis aid in predicting how the
Northern region's ice will respond to climate change.

6. The Nunatsiavut people and their government have determined the strategies and adjustments that
remote community residents will need to make in order to cope with the effects of climate change. To
stop soil erosion, the community is using techniques like planting trees and putting up wattle fences
and gabion cages. The Nunatsiavut government has launched a number of energy-related
 initiatives, including a program to train trainers for tradespeople with an interest in renewable
energy and youth energy training initiatives for the development of solar industry skills.

2.2.4 PROJECTS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN HOPEDALE, LABRADOR

Rooftop solar installation helps the town of Hopedale lower its emissions. The Nunatsiavut
energy security plan recommended researching a modest hydro-diesel reduction project in
Hopedale along with a demonstration plant of a wind energy diesel in its 2016 report. But there
is no proof that such a feasibility report was carried out or that its conclusions were accurate.
Below is an analysis of Hopedale's potential for various renewable energy projects:

1. Hydropower Capacity: By constructing a micro hydro power plant nearby, the area's reliance on
diesel generators could be reduced. Because of this, diesel fuel consumption will decrease and
GHG emissions will be reduced. A total of 3.21 GWh in energy could be produced from a hydro
potential of 530 kW which can meet up to 60% of the community's energy needs. In order to
achieve this, a total capital expenditure of 16.40 million dollars will be needed, translating to a
nominal levelized unit cost of energy per kWH will be 33 cents if the total capital cost is extended
to current rates. Despite the large construction cost, since there are no fuel costs, the operating
costs will be low. A hydro project's environmental effects, including those on aquatic life, must be
evaluated before installation.

2. Wind Capacity: Being one of Labrador's northernmost districts, Hopedale offers great wind
resources. We can see the monthly average wind speeds from Figure 2.6 shown below. From
October through April, the speed of wind remains above 23.1 km/h whereas the month of
December goes through 29.2 km/h being the highest wind speed. An expenditure of $6.85 million
and an energy output of 2.8 GWh will result from the installation of 8 units, each rated at 100 kW.
The price per kWh of production will be $1.31.

3. Installing Solar Energy: The solar resource of Hopedale is average and mostly accessible in the
summer. Figure 2.7's solar energy measurements illustrate this. The Nunatsiavut government has
installed a 24 kW rooftop solar array at the Hopedale Nanuk Centre. 40% of the facility's energy
requirements and reducing its dependency on the diesel plant will be implemented. The
installation is shown in Figure 2.8.

Figure 2.6: The average of monthly wind speeds (dark grey line) [4]

Figure 2.7: Average Solar Energy at Hopedale [5]

 Figure 2.8: Solar panel installation on Hopedale Nanuk Center's roof, 24kW. [6]
2.2.5 REDUCTION OF EMISSIONS IN THE CURRENT INSTALLATION AT HOPE
DALE, LABRADOR

No matter what kind of renewable energy project is installed in Hopedale, a sizable portion of the
community's power will still be produced by diesel production plants. In the absence of a wind or
solar installation, the diesel plant will supply the necessary active and reactive power flow.
Investigating strategies for reducing GHG petrol emissions in the current diesel production facilities
is crucial. Utilizing ultra-low Sulphur fuel and converting to renewable diesel instead of conventional
diesel made from natural lipids and plant materials could reduce pollutants. Another option is to
implement a carbon tax, and the resulting funds may be used to fund community-wide energy
efficiency improvement initiatives. As a result, the money raised would be given back to the
consumers indirectly through the energy that high-efficiency equipment would save. There is room
for improvement in the energy efficiency of electrical appliances because Hopedale's homes have
average energy efficiency levels. Systems for automatically supplying gasoline to diesel storage tanks
could cut down on spills and wastage. Lower local emissions to the neighborhood could be achieved
by installing higher stacks on diesel power stations.

2.3 RAMEA IN NEWFOUNDLAND

Rural Ramea is located on Newfoundland's southwest coast. 388 people live there in the community,
which is off the grid. [11]. It is not connected to the mainland by road. The intra-provincial ferry is
the primary means of transportation. This ferry service ran between Burgeo and Grey River. Ramea
relies on diesel to produce its electricity due to its connectivity issues. Diesel continues to be the
main fuel used to generate the majority of power. Consequently, burning diesel produces greenhouse
gases that worsen the global warming issue. Ramea was chosen as the subject of this article because
it is a distant area where electricity is produced by burning fuel. This article will provide a
chronological explanation of Ramea's current power-producing system. Following that, issues with
the current system will be determined from the standpoint of carbon emissions. The problems will
then be addressed with potential remedies.

2.3.1. OBJECTIVES

1. Based on geography and population, choosing an off-grid community

2. Generation of power using fossil fuels
3. Discover the amount of carbon emissions produced by the burning of diesel
4. Identify the problems with the current model for producing electricity
5. Make a new model suggestion to address the drawbacks of the existing one

2.3.2 DESCRIPTION OF RAMEA'S COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

Ramea requires electricity for both domestic and commercial uses. The following diagram shows how
Ramea's business industries sector's companies are distributed:

Commercial Sectors
Agriculture
Public Admin; 1 Construction
Manufacturing
Retail

Other Transportation
Agriculture; 4
Services; Construction; 1 Information
5
Finance

Manufacturing; 1 Health Care

Retail; 2 Accommodation
Accommodation; 1 Other Services
Health Care; 1 Public Admin
Finance; 1 Transportation; 2
Information; 1

Figure 2.9: Organisational structure of Ramea's business sector [12]

According to the aforementioned graph, there are a total of 5 businesses that provide other services. The
agriculture industry employs four businesses, while the retail and transportation sectors each have two.
Public administration, lodging, healthcare, finance, information, construction, and manufacturing are all
served by a single organization. These eleven sectors are where the majority of the economic activity is
centered. Since this region is cut off from the mainland, it lacks complete access to the province's other
regions' electricity infrastructure. Ramea's diesel-powered generators were its only source of electricity. A
total of three 925 KW diesel engine generators are present.

2.3.3. A CHRONOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF RAMEA'S ELECTRICITY GENERATION

The electrical generation system previously relied heavily on diesel engines. For the purpose of producing
power, three diesel engines each having a 925 KW capacity were used. Diesel was the least expensive
fuel at the time. Furthermore, Ramea's physical location isolates it from the Newfoundland grid. Because
of this, there was no other alternative fuel for producing power. Diesel remained the only fuel source until
2004. Six wind turbines, each having a 65 KW capacity, were installed to the system in 2004. The use of
diesel was decreased because of the wind turbines. Despite increasing wind energy penetration to 10%,
the amount of carbon emissions was not greatly decreased. The wind energy penetration level was raised
from 10% to 15% with the addition of three additional 100 KW wind turbines and one hydrogen internal
combustion engine.

Date Range: 1990-2004
Date Range: 2004-2008
Diesel engines are essential for producing electricity.
1,100,000 liters of fuel are consumed annually.
Diesel engines: 3x925KW = 2775KW
Wind diesel is a necessary component of electricity production.
To deliver wind power, a PPA was made with an IPP, Frontier Power
Systems.
Windmatic wind turbines, 6 x 65 KW, or 390 KW
moderate wind diesel penetration
IPP sold 1,200,000 KWh to Power.
10% penetration of wind energy.
reduce emissions by 930 tonnes and more than 325,000 liters of diesel
fuel
 Date Range: 2008-present NL Hydro has installed a hydrogen genset, along with it they installed
hydrogen electrolyser, a storage tank, and three new wind turbines.
There is a 550 KW increase in installed capacity.
Wind Turbines provide 300 KW whereas Hydrogen genset provides
250 KW

2.3.4. CURRENT WIND, HYDROGEN, AND DIESEL CONFIGURATION

Ramea's current electricity generation system combines fossil fuel- and renewable-fueled electricity. The
majority of energy generation capacity is still being produced by diesel engines. Electricity generated
with renewable energy is produced by hydrogen engines and wind turbines.

Wind Hydrogen Diesel Profile

3x100 KW = 300KW 250 KW from Diesel Engines provide 1091 KW of yearly
coming from NL Hydro Hydrogen Genset, 162 3x925 KW = 2775 KW peak load, 488.7 KW of
whereas 6x65 KW = KW from Hydrogen daily load and 188 KW
390 KW coming from Electrolyser of the minimum load
the Frontier Power
Ssytems

To initially supply the community's electrical needs, diesel engines (3x925KW = 2775KW) were
employed. Six wind turbine units were installed to the system (6x65KW = 390KW), which helped to
lessen its reliance on diesel. With the installation of these wind turbines, renewable energy sources were
integrated into the existing fossil fuel-based electricity infrastructure. Here the diesel engines were able to
supply the entire community's need for energy. However, installing wind turbines was a move to cut back
on the use of fossil fuels. As far as we know, only diesel engines are used to generate electricity in nearly
21 remote villages in Newfoundland and Labrador. The appropriate choice, however, was to install wind
turbines due to growing concern over the negative effects of burning fossil fuels. Electricity production
began using diesel engines in 2004 with the installation of 6 wind turbines.

The organization in charge of installing and putting the Energy Management System (EMS) in place was
Frontier Power Systems. The functioning of diesel engines and wind turbines was integrated using that
EMS. It was discovered that there was a discrepancy between the amount of electricity produced by wind
turbines that was available and the amount that was consumed after both wind turbines and diesel engines
had been operating for six years. An innovative concept for an energy storage system was created to
address this issue. In order to address the issue of energy storage, a hydrogen electrolyze, storage tank,
and hydrogen internal combustion engine were lodged in 2008. Three additional wind turbine units with a
combined installed capacity of 300 KW were added at that time. Since then, there are 690 KW worth of
installed wind turbines.

2.3.5. NEW ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION IDEA

The capacity factor of wind turbines was 30%, according to information provided by NL Hydro. Thus,
390 KW of wind energy was accessible annually for 1025 MWh. However, 400 MWh of electricity from
wind turbines was used annually. Consequently, more than 50% of the electricity generated by wind
turbines was lost. A system for producing hydrogen was installed in 2008. In order to raise the level of
wind energy penetration to 15% at that time, three units of wind turbines with a combined capacity of
300KW were also built. That adjustment was primarily made in order to use less diesel and generate more
electricity from renewable sources. Through the creation of hydrogen, that energy storage system was
created. The idea was that when there was less demand for power, the wind turbines would give
electricity to the grid and the hydrogen electrolyze would create hydrogen and oxygen. When there is a
greater need for electricity and there is less wind, stored hydrogen will be used to produce electricity.

2.3.6. COLLABORATORS AND PARTNERS IN THE PROJECT [14]

• NL Hydro:
For the purpose of generating power in this province, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
(NL Hydro) is in charge. Most of the electricity produced by NL Hydro comes from
hydroelectric power facilities. However, it also includes power plants that use fossil fuels.
The Ramea electricity generating facilities are owned by NL Hydro.
• Canada's Natural Resources:
The hydrogen internal combustion (IC) engine for this study was provided by Natural
Resources Canada's (NRCan's) CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC). Research on
the creation of effective alternative and renewable energy technologies is being conducted by
CETC.
 • Memorial University of Newfoundland:
Memorial University assessed the project's environmental impact and life cycle as well
as optimized the hydrogen electrolyze and storage system.
• University of New Brunswick:
A communication system was created by UNB for the Ramea project's Energy Management
System (EMS) and wind turbines.
• Frontier Power Systems:
A total of six 390 KW wind turbines were installed by Frontier Power Systems.

2.3.7. RAMEA PLANT'S CURRENT STATE

1. Currently, there is no operational internal combustion engine for hydrogen. The only sources of
electricity for the grid are diesel generators and wind turbines.
2. The diesel engine's capacity is excessive. Adding additional renewable energy to the grid is not
beneficial.
3. There are usually technical issues with hydrogen engines. [15] [16] [17].
4. To enable the integration of electricity from various renewable energy sources and fossil fuels,
Ramea's EMS is complicated.

2.3.8. DIESEL ENGINE EMISSION RESULTS

The yearly and lifetime emission quantity of one diesel engine was calculated using the Diesel Emissions
Quantifier (DEQ). Because the demand at Ramea is less than the combined capacity of three diesel
engines, three diesel engines are not needed at once. One diesel engine can handle the typical daily load
in Ramea, according to an analysis of the community's load profile. As a result, it makes more sense to
study the emissions from just one diesel engine for this project. The United States Environmental
Protection Agency's website has access to this tool (https://cfpub.epa.gov/quantifier/index.cfm?
action=main.home). The emission is quantified in the table as NOX, PM2.5, HC, CO, and CO2.

NOX PM2.5 HC CO CO2 Fuel

Annual Outcome (Short Tons)1 44.217 2.53 3.669 16.487 3,269.1 1.1 million
(1 short ton = 2000 lbs) litres
Lifetime Outcome (Short Tons)1 751.695 43.006 62.367 280.272 55,575.1 18.7 million
litres
 Table 2.5: Results of One 925KW Diesel Engine's Emissions [18]

NOX (Nitrogen Oxides):

NO2 is the precursor to NO X. This group also includes other nitrogen oxides, nitrous acid, and nitric acid.
For short-term exposure, breathing difficulties, asthma, respiratory tract infections like coughing, and
chronic respiratory disorders are the primary health impacts of NO 2. Acid rain is created in the
atmosphere by the chemical reactions of NO 2, other NOX, water, oxygen, and other substances. The
interaction of organisms in the soil, water, air, and other media is maintained in balance by the ecosystem.
Acid rain causes an increase in aluminum release and water pH. The environment as a whole is in peril.

PM2.5 (Particulate Matter):

Particles in particulate matter have a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. The particles in this size range
can be inhaled. Due to its ability to reach both our lungs and bloodstream, PM2.5 is unhealthy for
humans.

CO (Carbon Monoxide):
The amount of oxygen carried by our blood to vital organs like the heart and brain decreases when CO
concentrations are high. If it occurs in the air inside a building, people could experience fainting,
unconsciousness, or even death. Let's say the air outside has a much higher CO level. Due to the
decreased capacity to circulate oxygenated blood to the heart, people would have chest pain and heart
illness in that scenario.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide):

Most greenhouse gases (GHG) are most frequently carbon dioxide. The rise in global temperature can be
attributed to CO2. Near the surface of the earth, a higher CO 2 concentration helps trap solar heat. The
global temperature will steadily rise if appropriate measures are not taken to lower the CO2 level. By
disrupting their habitat, higher global temperatures will harm a wide variety of plants and animals.

2.3.9. OPTIONS FOR GHG REDUCTION

To combat climate change and protect the environment, it is essential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions associated with the production of energy from fossil fuels in rural Newfoundland and Labrador
communities. On this project's theme, the following are some options for reducing GHG:
 Implementing Renewable Energy Sources: Use renewable energy sources including
hydroelectric, solar, and wind power to supplement or replace fossil fuel-based energy
production. Create neighborhood-owned renewable energy initiatives to foster local
empowerment and lessen reliance on centralized power sources.

Enhancements to Energy Efficiency: Conduct energy assessments and upgrade buildings to

increase energy efficiency, including modernizing insulation, windows, and HVAC systems.
Encourage the adoption of energy-saving techniques in homes and workplaces, including LED
lighting, efficient appliances, and smart heating and cooling systems.

Use CCS (carbon capture and storage): Examine the viability of using CCS technologies to
collect and store carbon emissions from currently operating fossil fuel-based power plants.
Consider possible geological storage locations and legal frameworks for CCS installation.

Transportation Electrification: By providing incentives, creating a charging infrastructure, and

launching public awareness campaigns, promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in rural areas.
Promote electrified public transit options and shared mobility strategies.

Education and Behavioral Change: Promote energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and
the environmental effects of fossil fuel consumption through outreach and educational initiatives.
Encourage locals to use greener heating, cooling, and transportation methods.

Interventions in policy and regulation: Support legislation such as feed-in tariffs, tax credits,
and carbon trading schemes that encourage the use of renewable energy. To phase out or restrict
the use of fossil fuels in the production of energy, establish emission reduction targets and
restrictions.

Participation and Community Engagement: Participate in energy project decision-making with

the local community to make sure that plans reflect their preferences and needs. Promote local
ownership of and investment in renewable energy initiatives.

Innovation and research: Invest in the study and creation of novel techniques and strategies for
cutting greenhouse gas emissions from the energy production process, with an emphasis on the
unique requirements of rural areas.

However, the success of these alternatives will depend on a variety of elements, including
community involvement, funding, and local infrastructure. For the best outcomes in lowering
GHG emissions in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, a comprehensive strategy that incorporates
several of these tactics is probably the best bet.

2.3.10. ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SITUATION

It is crucial to examine the wind speed, the wind turbine shutdown time and capacity factor, solar
radiation, and the Ramea load profile before recommending a new model.
 Figure 2.12 Monthly wind speed at Ramea
Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource (POWER) database, according to NASA. Average monthly
wind speed over 30 years (Jan. 1984–Dec. 2013) at 50 meters above the earth's surface. The monthly
average wind speed fluctuates, as shown by the above figure. The month of January had the highest wind
speed (8.48 m/s), followed by December (8.45 m/s) and February (8.09 m/s). The least amount of wind
(5.63 m/s) occurs in June. The current wind turbine facilities average 7.04 m/s of wind speed. We all
know that the main demand for power in the winter is for heating. Prediction of Worldwide Energy
Resource (POWER) database, according to NASA. Average monthly wind speed over 30 years (Jan.
1984–Dec. 2013) at 50 meters above the earth's surface

The monthly average wind speed fluctuates, as shown by the above figure. The month of January had the
highest wind speed (8.48 m/s), followed by December (8.45 m/s) and February (8.09 m/s). The least
amount of wind (5.63 m/s) occurs in June. The current wind turbine facilities average 7.04 m/s of wind
speed. We all know that the main demand for power in the winter is for heating. According to the data, it
is advantageous that the wind speed is higher in the winter than it is in other seasons. To fulfill the
increased demand, wind turbines need to produce more electricity.
 Figure 2.13: Shutdown time of wind turbines at Ramea

The NASA Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource (POWER) database's 8760 hours of wind speed
per year were utilized to obtain the above annual shutdown hours for wind turbines at the Ramea location.
To determine the output of the wind turbines, Homer Pro software was also employed. The wind turbines
had much fewer shutdown hours in November, December, January, February, and March than in the other
months. The wind speed is what causes the shutdown period. The wind turbine is unable to generate
electricity when the wind speed is either greater than the cut-out speed or lower than the cut-in speed.
Using data on the monthly average wind speed and shutdown hours, it was discovered that throughout the
months of May, June, July, August, and September, the wind speed decreased but the number of hours
spent shutting down increased (to more than 110 per month).

The Ramea Energy Management System (EMS) is set up with the assistance of this data. As there is no
operational data for the wind turbines in Ramea, we used the NASA Prediction of Worldwide Energy
Resource (POWER) database and Homer Pro software. It is established that the analysis is trustworthy
based on the information's source.
 Figure 2.14: Capacity Factor of Wind Turbines at Ramea

The aforementioned graph demonstrates that the capacity factor for May, June, July, and August is lower
than it is for the other months due to longer shutdown hours. Ramea's wind turbines operate at a higher
capacity factor (more than 50%) in January and December. The numbers (capacity factor 30%) provided
by NL Hydro are comparable with the average capacity factor of the 300 KW wind turbine installations
now in operation, which is 36%.

Figure 2.15: Hourly wind speed at Ramea

total generated kWH ∈a month
Capacity Factor =
Total Installed Capacity , KW ∗24∗no . of days of that month

It is clear from the above statistic that the wind speed at the Ramea site is sporadic. Diesel engines,
hydrogen generators, and current wind turbines are all connected to the grid. We are aware that the
Energy Management System (EMS) coordinates the use of all energy sources in the production of
electricity. In this case, compared to other sources, such as diesel and hydrogen, the availability of wind
sources is unpredictable. The EMS design becomes complicated because to the intermittent nature of the
wind. It is understandable that there have been several complicated scenarios involving the integration of
energy sources while still in the research and development stage. To successfully carry out this project is
the key challenge.

Figure 2.16: Monthly average solar radiation at Ramea

Finding information on solar radiation and the amount of power produced by 500 KW PV panels is
crucial because the suggested model contains photovoltaic (PV) panels that use solar energy to generate
electricity. The proposal's validation would be beneficial. Data about solar radiation have been gathered
from NREL's (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) database. In Ramea, more than 4KWhm2/day of
solar energy is received from March to September, according to the aforementioned graph. Wind turbines
were observed to operate at a decreased capacity factor (26%-31%) from May to September according to
Fig. 4. Solar photovoltaic panels will be utilized to offset less of the production from wind turbines during
these months of the year.
 Figure 2.17: Monthly electricity generation from PV at Ramea

According to the accompanying graph, solar panels produce more electricity from March to September.
The Ramea site's PV panels are unable to provide enough electricity from November to February. The PV
Watts® Calculator from NREL estimates Ramea's annual electricity production from solar panels.

Location and Station Identification

Location Ramea, NL
Latitude 47.53° N
Longitude 57.38° W
PV System Specifications
DC System Size 500 KW
Module Type Standard
Array Type Fixed (open rack)
Array Tilt 20°
Array Azimuth 180°
System Losses 14.08%
Inverter Efficiency 96%
DC to AC Size Ratio 1.2
Capacity Factor 12.8%
Annual Average Solar Radiation (kWh/m2/day) 3.72
Annual AC Energy (kWh) Generation 561668
Source Tool: NREL's PVWatts® Calculator (https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/)

2.3.11. PROPOSAL OF A NEW MODEL

1. Taking capacity factor into account, 207 KW (30% of 690 KW) of power will be produced by
wind turbines. The PV panel capacity factor must also be considered. The annual production from
 PV panels will be 64 KW (12.8% of 500 KW). Thus, 271 KW are produced overall from both
solar and wind energy.
2. Electricity produced by wind turbines and photovoltaic systems will be used to fuel the 250 KW
hydrogen engine. It is suggested that the electricity produced by hydrogen engines be utilized to
stabilize the grid by combining it with the electricity produced by wind turbines and solar panels.
3. Diesel engines are excessively powerful relative to the daily average load on Ramea (489 KW).
In the suggested model, only one diesel engine will provide 277.5 KW (minimum capacity = 30%
of 925 KW), and a hydrogen generator will satisfy the remaining requirement.
4. To cut carbon emissions, the proposed model ensures a minimum amount of diesel consumption.
5. Because the proposed model won't have to deal with the problem of inconsistent wind speed,
EMS will employ a less complicated control mechanism to operate.

2.4 REMOTE COMMUNITIES - DIVERGENCE/CONVERGENCE IN CLEAN ENERGY

PROJECTS, REASONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

From the detailed study outlined in t h e above sections, the various energy scenarios, and the
environmental impacts of energy in the three communities it can be seen that:

1. As the main grid connection to remote communities is not possible, hence diesel generation
shall be required as a power source in the remote communities. However, the GHG emissions at
these places can be reduced by exploring other methods of energy generation that are
environmentally friendly.

2. Wind energy is feasible at all three locations with projects already implemented in Remea and
one planned in Nain. Hopedale with its rich wind resource provides the complete opportunity to
install wind turbines of up to 800kW. The wind and battery storage project at Nain has already
been approved.

3. Roof Solar installation can benefit in the long term. Such installations are already being tested in
Hopedale and Nain. The systems do not require much maintenance and even lower solar
resources can help in some reduction of GHG emissions. Centralized solar generation may not be
feasible, but the distributed roof top installation could help offset some of the energy use from the
fossil based source.

4. Hydro power is a cost intensive solution but if implemented can be used to completely offset
the diesel generation. However, the high economic cost, effect on local flora and fauna as well as
aquatic life can be the main challenges.

5. Energy efficiency improvement can play a significant role in energy conservation in all three
communities. The current medium level energy efficiency levels could be improved. Energy
conservation awareness and training programs can play a significant role in these communities. A
lot of effort has already been taken by the Nunatsiavut government for energy savings and
awareness about renewable energy generation. Programs like youth awareness programs and
training for trainers are efforts in the right direction.

6. The installation of renewable like wind turbines will require energy storage due to the intermittent
nature of the renewable source. Hydrogen generation and then the production of electricity from a
hydrogen engine was implemented in Remea but the hydrogen engine has not performed as desired.
More efficient hydrogen engine generators could be explored to resolve the issue. The use of
Hydrogen in fuel cell technologies and fuel cell cars can be explored in the future once the
technology is commercially available.

7. Stationary Li-Ion batteries could be explored as energy storage. Further with the onset of
electric vehicles, the batteries inside the EVs could act as storage and can supply power during
peak hours. However, a significant number of vehicles will have to be converted to electric before
this option is used.

CONCLUSION

The study on the environmental impacts of fossil fuel energy generation in rural Newfoundland and
Labrador towns highlights the urgent need for sustainable and alternative energy options in these areas. The
research has revealed the grave ecological and public health effects of relying on fossil fuels, including
habitat destruction, air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to cleaner and more
renewable energy sources is essential for protecting these towns' vulnerable ecosystems and citizens' well-
being.

This study also offers a useful framework for the development of policies that will support the transition to
more environmentally friendly energy sources. Energy efficiency measures, community-led projects, and
investments in renewable energy infrastructure can all be crucial in reducing negative environmental effects
while also enhancing the local economy.
 The project ultimately acts as a call to action for coordinated efforts from governmental entities,
stakeholders, and communities themselves to jointly strive towards a sustainable, resilient, and ecologically
conscious energy future for Newfoundland and Labrador's rural areas. By giving clean energy technologies
and practices a top priority, we can not only protect the area's biodiversity and natural beauty but also
enhance the quality of life and well-being of its residents, assuring a better and more sustainable future for
incoming generations.

There are clear possibilities to implement wind farm projects in all three communities of Nain, Hopedale,
and Remea. The wind farm has already been approved by the government for Nain. There is a
possibility of implanting pumped storage in the nearby hilly areas of Nain. Remea has an existing
setup of running wind farms of ratings 6x65 kW and 3x100 kW. Energy storage is available in the form of
2000 cubic meters of hydrogen tanks with 162 kW hydrogen electrolysis and a 2250-kW hydrogen
genset. There is also a possibility of implementing solar PV of 500 kW. Similarly, in Hopedale, there
is a potential to implement 530 kW of hydropower. A wind farm of 8x100 kW could also be
implemented in Hopedale based on the wind resource. A solar installation of a 24-kW rooftop has
already been implemented in Hopedale and hence there is scope for further installations. Even with a
significant amount of renewable generation, these communities will still continue to use Diesel
generation because of the power system requirements.

The Government of Newfoundland as well as the Nunatsiavut government considers clean energy
initiatives a priority and is taking significant steps with regard to mitigating the harmful environmental
impacts of energy generation from remote communities. Besides implementing various renewable
energy projects, the government is also executing programs like the Arctic policy framework, Northern
Adaptation strategy, North transportation adaptation initiative, Smart ICE, etc. In addition to
renewable projects, it is important to consider energy conservation projects to save the generated
electricity. Renewable energy and energy conservation projects will not only stimulate the
community’s economic growth but will also create jobs besides lowering GHG emissions.

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