Energy as a driver of change in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River Basin

Abstract

Energy is an important driver of change in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River Basin, having a large impact on the environment and the economy. Demand for energy in the basin over the past 50years has been met by a mix of sources, mainly coal, oil, conventional natural gas, nuclear, and hydropower. However, in the last decade there has been a shift towards an increased capacity in renewable energy production and unconventional natural gas. Each energy source has a unique set of social, economic and environmental impacts. Understanding these impacts is imperative for the continued development of the basin energy sector in a way that minimizes negative impacts. In this article, we review trends in energy use in the basin over the past 50years, while highlighting recent developments in wind-derived electricity and unconventional natural gas. We examine the impacts of energy production and use on other drivers of change in the basin with an emphasis on the energy–water–climate nexus. While focusing on the pivotal role of government policy, we outline three alternative future scenarios for the energy sector in the basin along with their likely impacts. We also present key challenges that the basin may face over the next 50years as the energy sector develops. Recommendations to facilitate the development of the energy sector in the basin while minimizing negative impacts on other drivers are given.