Statement from Canadian Nuclear Association, following FES

Following today’s inclusion of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the Fall Economic Statement, please find below a statement from John Gorman, President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association:

***

“This is a good day for those who want to see the decarbonization of our economy. The government has recognized that if we are going to meet net-zero 2050, everyone needs to play a part: hydro, wind, solar, nuclear, tidal power and clean fuels like hydrogen.

The Canadian Nuclear Association has been working to establish support for the rapid commercialization of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs). As a world leader in SMRs, Canada can advance the decarbonization of the rest of Canada’s electricity generation and catalyze the move of heavy industrial production—from steel to cement to mining to oil and gas—to emission-free sources.  Today’s Fall Economic Statement committed to an action plan by the end of 2020, and to partner with the governments of New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, to advance SMR deployment.

Clean electricity is a pathway for all sectors of our economy to get to net-zero 2050. We’re encouraged to see a focus on clean electricity in today’s Fall Economic Statement and look forward to the release of the government’s Small Modular Reactor action plan by the end of this year.”                                                                                                                                                                   – John Gorman, President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association