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From fossil fuels to kilowatts
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Producing thermal electricity from fossil fuels begins with the fuel source (coal, natural gas or oil). Generation plants burn fuel to create steam that drives turbines, producing electricity. The transmission system then moves electric power in bulk from the plants to distribution systems. Large transformers step up the voltage to carry electricity over long distances. As the electricity nears its destination, voltages are reduced or “stepped down” at substations. Finally distribution systems move electricity to where consumers need it — in homes, industries and on farms.
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Thermal power plants burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, oil) generate about 25 per cent of Canada’s electricity.
Fossil fuel-fired power plants, including those using coal, emit most of the electricity industry’s air emissions. Significant emissions include carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Coal-fueled plants also emit mercury, particulate matter and small amounts of heavy metals. The impacts of these emissions can be global (greenhouse gases) or local and regional (sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and mercury).
Fossil fuel plants use freshwater in their operations for boilers and cooling, and can have impacts on land and wildlife (biodiversity).
Key potential environmental impacts
Impact |
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| Air |
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| Greenhouse gases |
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| Sulphur dioxide |
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| Nitrogen oxides |
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| Particulates (from burning of coal) |
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| Mercury and heavy metals (from burning of coal) |
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| Water |
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| Freshwater used |
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| Land |
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| Land disturbance at coal mines |
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| Wastes |
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| Solid waste byproducts (from burning of coal) |
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| Biodiversity |
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| Changes to wildlife and wildlife habitat (power plants, coal mines) |
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