Nuclear Industry Can Play A Role In North American Climate And Energy Collaboration
February 12, 2016
OTTAWA (February 12, 2016) – A North American clean energy agreement that focuses on a low-carbon future highlights the role that nuclear power already plays in stopping climate change, the Canadian Nuclear Association said today.
“Through their agreement in Winnipeg, the three North American energy ministers have set the stage for stronger collaboration among all clean energy technologies in support of the shift to a low-carbon future,” said CNA President John Barrett. “Nuclear energy is a clean, low-carbon technology that, like renewable energy sources, generates electricity without greenhouse gases.”
Nuclear power has already helped Canada, the United States and Mexico to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Nuclear reactors provided 60 percent of Ontario’s electricity last year, and 30 percent of New Brunswick’s power.
In the United States, nuclear energy provided 62 percent of emissions-free electricity in 2014. With 99 reactors, the United States operates the world’s largest fleet of commercial nuclear reactors, and it is building five more.
Mexico has two nuclear reactors generating almost 4 percent of its electricity, and plans to build three more reactors in the next decade.
“Adding more nuclear energy is exactly what we should do if we are to achieve the COP21 Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting average global temperatures to a 1.5° C rise,” Barrett said.
“Renewable energy sources will contribute to these goals as well, when they are developed to shoulder the baseload clean electricity generation and high reliability that nuclear energy provides today,” he added.
The Canadian Nuclear Association represents the nuclear industry in Canada and promotes the development and growth of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes.
Its 100 members mine uranium, fabricate fuel, design and service reactors, generate electricity, advance nuclear medicine, and export Canadian nuclear expertise. These activities employ 60,000 Canadians.
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For more information:
John Stewart
Director of Policy and Research
613-237-4262
