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Enhancing Energy Sector Planning Through Strategic Environmental Assessment: Insights and Best Practices

This research by Lisa White, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Saskatchewan, explores the role of SEA in energy sector planning, focusing on the electricity sector. The study reviews international SEA case studies to determine best practices, outcomes, and implications for decision-making. Results show improved understanding, communication, and institutional learning, with SEA influencing PPP decision-making. The discussion highlights the importance of early application, consideration of alternatives, and the benefits of stakeholder participation. The study emphasizes the potential of SEA in enhancing sustainable energy development and identifies barriers that need to be addressed for SEA to realize its full potential.

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Enhancing Energy Sector Planning Through Strategic Environmental Assessment: Insights and Best Practices

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  1. the contribution of sea to energy sector planning Lisa White Ph.D. Candidate School of Environment and Sustainability University of Saskatchewan May 29th, 2012

  2. Research objectives • SEA has been slow to evolve in the energy sector • Can SEA contribute to energy sector planning? • Decisions about energy development have significant sustainability implications • Need to understand & advance SEA in energy sector planning & decision-making • Role & contributions of SEA in energy sector planning are examined • electricity sector in particular • Determination of best practice SEA process elements & outcomes • Implications?

  3. Methods • Review of 6 international SEA case studies • UK, Sweden, Portugal, Wisconsin, Ontario & Nova Scotia • Level of application, spatial scales & formal/informal SEA process used • 25 documents reviewed &14 interviews conducted • Questions regarding purpose, timing, regulatory requirements, process steps & outcomes

  4. Results – SEA process • 3 cases considered alternatives • 6 cases assessed impacts of the PPP: • Five used social, economic and environmental criteria • Qualitatitive methods dominate • 6 cases had participation & engagement • Ranged from simple to complex forms • 6 cases proposed monitoring of some form

  5. Results – SEA outcomes • Increased understanding & knowledge in 5 cases • Improved communication & institutional learning in 6 cases • SEA influenced PPP decision-making in 5 cases • Tiering to lower level decision-making promoted in 6 cases • Although only demonstrated in two cases

  6. Discussion • Some evidence of good SEA process & PPP influence • Consideration of alternatives is poor • Qualitative impact assessment methodologies are dominant • Early SEA application is more influential • Participation has both direct & more subtle benefits • Tiering is alive & well

  7. Implications • SEA can & does contribute to improved PPPs in the energy sector • Awareness of environmental issues & PPP options • Institutional learning • Early application that includes alternatives • Tiering • Barriers to SEA realizing its full potential • Lack of early application, lack of alternatives, restrictions set out by higher-level policies • Better SEA guidance needed in the future

  8. Questions? I would like to thank: Wayne Clifton, Clifton Associates Ltd., for his generous support of my academic endeavours Dr. Bram Noble, School of Environment and Sustainability, for his support and advice throughout my studies

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