1. THE CONTRIBUTION OF SEA TO ENERGY SECTOR PLANNING Lisa White Ph.D. Candidate School of Environment and Sustainability University of Saskatchewan May 29 th, 2012

2. R ESEARCH 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. M ETHODS 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. R ESULTS – 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. R ESULTS – 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. D ISCUSSION 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. I MPLICATIONS 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. Q UESTIONS ? 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