CANADIAN NUCLEAR ASSOCIATION WELCOMES ONTARIO’S LONG-TERM ENERGY PLAN

OTTAWA (October 26, 2017) – The Canadian Nuclear Association is pleased with the content and direction of Ontario’s latest Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP).

Focusing on the consumer, climate change, cost, reliability and accessibility, this updated LTEP recognizes and supports nuclear power as the central pillar of Ontario’s energy future.  For over 50 years Ontario’s nuclear fleet has been providing Ontarians with clean and reliable baseload energy.  The LTEP leverages nuclear’s capabilities by reaffirming the government’s commitment to refurbishing 10 of Ontario’s 18 nuclear reactors to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the social, economic and environmental advantages that nuclear provides, including enabling the integration of more renewable power into the electricity system.  Furthermore, the LTEP reaffirms the government’s commitment to extending the Pickering plant’s life to 2024 – this will ensure an adequate supply of clean power while other units are being refurbished.

Between October and December 2016, people and organizations across Ontario had the opportunity to provide their feedback through scores of consultation sessions.  Based on this input, the resulting LTEP lays out the framework for Ontario’s electricity mix for years to come, identifying nuclear as an important component of its strategy.  The LTEP states that “The most cost-effective option for producing the baseload generation the province needs while releasing no GHG emissions is the refurbish Ontario’s nuclear generating stations.”  Furthermore, the LTEP recognizes that “Ontario’s expertise in nuclear energy has enabled it to be a leading jurisdiction in nuclear research and nuclear medicine.  Ontario can help create new export opportunities for nuclear innovations such as Small Modular Reactors, Nuclear Fuel Research, and Hydrogen Production.”

John Barrett, President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association says that this type of public policy is critical to meeting Ontario’s and Canada’s climate goals: “Not only does nuclear provide the clean baseload power – over 60% of the province’s supply – it also acts as an important enabler to the deployment of renewable, but intermittent, sources of electricity.  Nuclear fills the supply gaps that cannot currently be bridged by renewables.  Nuclear is also an innovation leader, providing yet more benefits in health care, opportunities for exports and electrification of northern and remote communities.  We are proud of the social, economic and environmental contributions made by our sector and we look forward to continuing our work with government and other stakeholders to secure the best low-carbon energy mix for our future.  Public policy commitment to clean infrastructure investment is essential if we are to meet the challenge of climate change.”

Facts:

• Ontario’s nuclear fleet meets over 60% of the province’s electricity demand
• In 2016, the cost of nuclear power averaged 6.9 cents/kWh, 30% below the provincial average from all sources
• Even following the $26 Billion investment in refurbishment of Ontario’s nuclear fleet (4 units at Darlington, 6 at Bruce), OPG expects that the average cost of nuclear to 2050 will be 8 cents/kWh (2016 dollars)
• The nuclear industry in Ontario contributes over $5 billion annually to the national economy and supports 50,000 Ontario jobs
• Refurbishment is expected to create over 30,000 jobs for the duration of the project (concluding in 2033)

About the CNA:

Since 1960, the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) has been the national voice of the Canadian nuclear industry. Working alongside our members and all communities of interest, the CNA promotes the industry nationally and internationally, works with governments on policies affecting the sector and works to increase awareness and understanding of the value nuclear technology brings to the environment, economy and the daily life of Canadians.

Our members are actively involved and are leaders in Canada’s production of uranium and nuclear power and are taking leadership roles in the research, design, construction, operation and support to nuclear facilities and technologies.

www.cna.ca

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For more information:

Paul Hebert
Director of Communications
(613) 237-4262
hebertp@cna.ca