Saskatchewan has recently opened up a coal-fired power plant which does not seem like the most energy efficient tactic to produce electricity but the plant has been modified so that a carbon capturer could be added on.

Of course this will significantly reduce the the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the air whilst still producing electricity with coal which has generally been seen as the cheaper procedure rather than, for example, hydroelectricity. However the issue is that the use of these carbon capturers becomes very expensive. To provide the technology needed for these machines, “Electricity prices would have to rise 80% to cover the costs of such projects” (Green Energy in Canada). This is a very unnappealing statement to investors who are now thinking it would be easier to simply”pay a provincial carbon levy of C$15 a tonne” (Green Energy in Canada). 

This situation is a good example of the PEST Analysis not being put to use as the Technological and Social factors have had a negative impact on the project. The cost of the Carbon Capturer must be reduced in order for investors to dedicate them selves to the project as well as the general public having the ability to pay taxes for the project with ease. Saskatchewan should either attempt to improve their technology by making it cheaper to the public by creating key partnerships, or they should scrap the idea altogether and push away fully from using carbon-emitting energy.

http://www.economist.com/news/business-and-finance/21622238-although-saskatchewans-new-carbon-capture-facility-start-technology-still