Ontario Cap-and-Trade a Good Step Forward, Canadian Nuclear Industry Says

OTTAWA (April 17, 2015) – The Canadian nuclear industry welcomes Ontario’s carbon-pricing announcement and looks forward to participating in discussions with the provincial government as it works out the details of the cap-and-trade system.

“We support policies that produce clean air and lead to a cooler climate,” said Dr. John Barrett, President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA). “Ontario’s electrical system already contributes significantly to these goals by relying on nuclear energy that is safe, affordable, reliable – and clean.”

Dr. Barrett added, “The CNA and its members are ready to work with the Ontario government to define how to implement carbon pricing.”

Ontario’s fleet of 18 reactors last year produced 62 percent of the electricity delivered to the provincial grid, while generating no greenhouse gases. Nuclear power has enabled the shutdown of Ontario’s coal-fired plants, by reliably providing electricity day and night, all year long.

“Nuclear energy is the foundation of Ontario’s diversified electrical mix,” said Dr. Barrett. “It enables Ontario to explore wind and solar power which, while clean, cannot match nuclear’s reliability.”

According to Canada’s National Inventory Report on Greenhouse Gases and Sinks, Ontario’s electrical generating industry cut its greenhouse gas emissions from 43 megatonnes in 2000 to 14.5 megatonnes in 2012 – a two-thirds reduction. During the same period, electrical production from nuclear reactors rose from 59.8 terawatt hours (TWh) to 84.9 TWh, replacing output from coal.

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For more information:
Malcolm Bernard
Director of Communications
613-237-4262 #110