Refurbished Darlington will take equivalent of two million cars off the road

Nuclear power will play key role in Ontario's climate change action plan

TORONTO, Oct. 5, 2016 /CNW/ - Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) continued operation of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station will take the equivalent of two million cars a year off Ontario's roads by avoiding significant emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), according to an independent report released today.

The report, prepared by Intrinsik Environmental Sciences, compares the environmental impact of running the Darlington station to 2055 against other energy supply options, such as natural gas fired generation

"Our study concludes that given Darlington's large role in energy production in Ontario and low levels of greenhouse gas emissions, the refurbishment of the station significantly lowers Ontario's carbon footprint versus other forms of electricity generation," said Elliot Sigal, President of Intrinsik.

The study concluded, "The total reduction in GHG emissions from 2024 to 2055 associated with the continued operation of Darlington following refurbishment is estimated to be 297 megatonnes of carbon dioxide, with an average reduction of 9.6 megatonnes per year, or the equivalent of two million cars." 

"Clean energy from nuclear power will continue to play a major role in Ontario's future economic and environmental success, thanks in large part to the refurbishment of Darlington and the continued operations of Pickering," said OPG President and CEO Jeff Lyash.

The Darlington station supplies about 20 per cent of Ontario's electricity at a cost that is lower than other forms of base load generation. Refurbishing the station will ensure this source of clean energy is available for at least another 30 years and will also create significant economic benefits for the province.

OPG is also planning to continue to operate its Pickering station until 2024. The recent Speech From The Throne indicated this will save Ontario's electricity customers $600 million and will also provide a clean energy source during the Darlington refurbishments.

OPG provides about half of the electricity used in Ontario, and more than 99 per cent of the power it produces has no greenhouse gas or smog causing emissions. OPG's power is priced 40 per cent lower than other generators, which helps moderate customer bills.

SOURCE Ontario Power Generation Inc.

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