COVID-19: How the nuclear energy industry manages through a pandemic
The nuclear energy industry’s top priority is maintaining a safe, reliable source of power, which is particularly important for the public, hospitals and other emergency services in times like these. This is not just something that nuclear power generators manage diligently — it applies to all electricity generating sources.
Add to this that many around the world are working remotely or from their homes to adhere to social distancing measures, and it becomes even more critical that people can rely on their electric power.
Governments, stakeholders and members of the public should rest assured of the strong business continuity practices of the nuclear energy industry, regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Safety and operational resilience are at the foundation of the industry’s operations. The industry has protocols in place to protect employees and effectively address and manage any major incident to ensure that things continue to run safely and soundly. This includes monitoring and responding to the evolving nature of COVID-19.
At the same time, Canada’s nuclear stations are helping keep our hospitals clean and safe during these critical times through the production of cobalt-60. Cobalt-60 is a medical isotope used to sterilize medical equipment such as gowns, gloves, masks, implantable devices and syringes in hospitals. These isotopes are in high demand right now.
For more information on what measures and precautions are being taken, read the latest statements by three of Canada’s largest power utilities.
Ontario Power Generation
https://www.opg.com/news/update-on-opgs-response-to-covid-19-pandemic/
Bruce Power
https://www.brucepower.com/2020/03/20/statement-on-bruce-powers-response-to-covid-19-march-20-2020/
