Energy Content of Energy Sources Used in Alberta

How do the energy sources used in power plants compare?


C11.2 power lines in a wheat field      
It is important that we look at many factors when evaluating which is the best energy source to be used in a power plant in Alberta. We can compare energy content of fuels used in power plants in Alberta, in terms of costs, benefits, efficiency, and sustainability.

All types of power plants used in Alberta will be compared, not just thermal power plants.  

Type of Generating Station
Coal Natural Gas
Biomass Biogas Waste Heat Recovery
Hydroelectric Wind
Energy Content (MJ/kg)
24–35
 55.5
 16–21
 55-55.7
 - - -
Cost* ($/kWh) 0.11–0.12
0.053–0.11
0.098
 0.03–0.05
 0.048
 0.064
0.044–0.20
Benefits
  • abundant in Alberta
  • by-product of combustion (ash) that can be used for concrete and roads
    • 70% less CO2 compared to coal
    • has high heating value
    • Alberta still has large reserve still in Alberta
    • renewable
    • abundant in Alberta
    • carbon-neutral
    • can produce heat and electricity together
    • diverts waste from agriculture to a usable source
    • renewable
    • produces fewer emissions than combustion energies
    • Has a smaller effect on the enhanced greenhouse effect
    • diverts waste from agriculture to a usable source
    • renewable
    • removes waste heat from environment is beneficial
    • reuse of waste heat that is normally lost
    • helps to conserve resources used in operation of buildings
    • renewable
    • clean source of energy (no emissions)
    • constant supply of water from river
    • renewable
    • clean source of energy (no emissions)
    • multiple uses for land
    Efficicency (%) 32–42 32–38 22–34 40–45 20–25 85–90 35–45
    Sustainability Low Low High High High High High
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    *The levelized energy costs (LEC) reflects all the costs including initial capital, return on investment, continuous operation, fuel, and maintenance, as well as the time required to build a plant and its expected lifetime.

      Digging Deeper

    C11.3 solar-powered construction traffic light
    Did you ever notice that most of the construction signs use solar panels to power them? What about the roadside help phones as you drive down major highways? There is a large increase in the use of solar energy to power devices such as these.

    To read more about the solar energy developments in Alberta, click on this link. https://solaralberta.ca/

    Learn More

      Read This

    Please read pages 221 to 223, and 227 in your Science 10 textbook. Make sure you take notes on your readings to study from later. You should focus on the different energy sources used in power generation, with a specific focus on sustainability and the province of Alberta. Remember, if you have any questions, or do not understand something, ask your teacher!

      Practice Questions

    Complete the following practice questions to check your understanding of the concept you just learned. Make sure you write complete answers to the practice questions in your notes. After you have checked your answers, make corrections to your responses (where necessary) to study from.

    1. What connection does there appear to be between the sustainability of renewable vs. non-renewable energy sources? Explain.

      Your answer should be a variation of the following. Non-renewable resources are not as sustainable as renewable resources. This is because sustainable energy is a form of energy that meets today's demands for energy without putting them in danger of running out and can be used over and over again.

    2. Why is hydroelectricity so much more efficient than any of the other sources of energy?

      Your answer should be a variation of the following. The laws of thermodynamics have taught us that waste energy in the form of heat is produced in every energy conversion. Hydroelectricity has few energy conversions, so more useful energy is available. Also, many other sources require the combustion of the fuel, which releases large amounts of “waste” energy in the form of heat.

    3. Why is wind energy so much less efficient than hydroelectricity, when it too does not require many inefficient energy conversions?

      Your answer should be a variation of the following. Wind is not always available, and wind speeds below around 50 km/h produce very little energy because the blades are too heavy to be turned by a slower wind.