CNA Endorses OPG's Applications for Renewal of Darlington Facilities

OTTAWA, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) welcomes and endorses Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) applications to renew its Darlington facilities. These applications cover refurbishment and ongoing operation of the Darlington nuclear generating facility, and renewal of the Darlington Waste Management Facility's licence for a 10-year period.

"I'm delivering this message not just on behalf of at least 60,000 Canadians whose livelihoods are supported by our industry, but also for the 13.5 million Ontarians who deserve to enjoy the same affordable clean air energy in the future that they have in the past," said Heather Kleb, CNA President and CEO.

"Darlington supplies electricity that is extremely reliable, reasonably priced, emits virtually no greenhouse gas from operations, and delivers high-wage, highly skilled jobs. The Darlington Nuclear Generating Station has been one of the largest contributors of electricity to Ontario's power grid since 1990. We at CNA feel very strongly that the continued service of these facilities is vital for an ongoing stable supply of base load electricity to Ontario homes, workplaces and businesses.

"The Darlington station is an extremely valuable economic resource that has not yet reached the mid-way point of its functional service life. By renewing it, Ontario has a great opportunity to realize more value from this asset. The front-end cost of nuclear plants is spread over several decades of operating life, allowing them to produce electricity at low and predictable unit costs.

"Nuclear is one of the assets that has made Ontario so attractive in the past for investors and knowledge industries. Darlington is helping that to continue."

A recently released study by Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters determined that nuclear is an integral part of Canada's innovation, manufacturing and export capacity. Refurbishing ten nuclear reactors will support at least 10,000 jobs for the coming eleven years, plus ongoing long-term jobs in plant operations.

Ms. Kleb added that the safety of operations at Darlington has been demonstrated through 20 years of commercial power generation at this site, and over 40 years in the province.

Ms. Kleb spoke on December 5 at a Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Public Hearing in Courtice, Ontario.

Background information: 

• Ontario Power Generation Darlington Hearing: December 3-6, 2012: http://www.opg.com/power/nuclear/darlington/dn_hearing.asp
• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Darlington Hearing Documents: http://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/commission/hearings/documents_browse/date.cfm?dt=3-Dec-2012
• Speaking Notes for Heather Kleb, CNA President and CEO, for Darlington Hearing December 5: http://www.cna.ca/wp-content/uploads/CNSC-Hearing-Speaking-Notes_Darlington_Dec2012.pdf
• CNA-CME Study Nuclear: a Canadian Strategy for Energy Jobs and Innovation: http://www.cna.ca/wp-content/uploads/1-Nuclear-a-Canadian-Strategy-for-Energy-Jobs-and-Innovation.pdf
• CNA-CME Study Highlights: http://www.cna.ca/wp-content/uploads/CNA-CME-2012-Study-Highlights.pdf

SOURCE: CANADIAN NUCLEAR ASSOCIATION

John Stewart
Director of Policy
Canadian Nuclear Association
[email protected]