TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Nuclear energy should continue to provide about 50 percent of Ontario's electrical needs, the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) has told Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli.
"Nuclear's Ontario-grown technology, its low and stable cost, its low environmental emissions and decades of proven performance make nuclear the right choice for Ontario," said CNA president Heather Kleb.
Kleb added: "In addition to counting on the industry's 18 nuclear reactors, the province should build two more and proceed with plans to refurbish 10 reactors, as the province set out in its 2010 Long Term Energy Plan. That plan was well-founded and should continue to be implemented."
The provincial energy ministry is reviewing the Long-Term Energy Plan, and receiving public submissions until Monday, September 16th. The ministry held public consultations across the province during the summer.
"Nuclear is the steady, affordable, safe and reliable base-load generator that keeps Ontario running and helps us meet our clean-air commitments," said Kleb. "Thanks to nuclear power, Ontario next year will become the first North American province or state to eliminate coal-fired electrical production."
In its submission to the energy ministry, the Canadian Nuclear Association pointed out that the nuclear industry directly employs over 22,000 Ontarians in high-paying, long-term quality jobs.
According to a study by Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, the industry directly employs 30,000 Canadians and, through its suppliers, generates another 30,000 jobs. The industry generates nearly $7 billion in economic activity, pays $1.5 billion in federal and provincial taxes, and exports $1.2 billion in goods and services.
As an Ontario-grown knowledge industry, nuclear provides vital support to high-value materials science, food safety, medical diagnosis, imaging and treatment, and other fields of wide application.
The industry has become a world leader due in part to its ability to supply Ontario's need for continuous, always-available electricity. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) operates 10 nuclear reactors at its Darlington and Pickering sites, while Bruce Power operates eight more in Kincardine.
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2013/09/12/20130912_C6728_DOC_EN_30777.pdf
SOURCE: Canadian Nuclear Association
Marc Laframboise
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