[cdn-nucl-l] CNA, Nuclear energy must be part of power mix

["Jerry Cuttler" <jerrycuttler@rogers.com>]

FYI
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Nuclear energy must be part of power mix

The Ottawa Citizen, Fri 27 Feb 2004

By Alan Kupcis

Re: A one-sided debate in which John Efford goes nuclear, Feb. 25.

Columnist Susan Riley attacks Natural Resources Minister John Efford for
supporting nuclear energy, and she questions nuclear technology's
contribution to the environment and to Canada.

In her interest in building an emotional anti-nuclear case, Ms. Riley misses
several points, important to both the minister of natural resources and to
the people of Canada.

Nuclear energy in Ontario is responsible for providing 42 per cent of the
province's electricity, which every day ensures that the people of Ontario
are able to use their computers, Palm Pilots and coffee makers, and keeps
their homes and workplaces functioning.

Nuclear energy is an important part of Canada's overall electricity mix,
accounting in 2004 for about 15 per cent of Canada's electricity.

Ontario has returned to service three nuclear reactors at Pickering and
Bruce Power. Lessons have been learned in refurbishing older plants. and
Ontario is now looking at the best ways to meet its electricity challenges,
including the feasibility of returning all laid-up reactors to service as
well as building new ones.

With an urgent need to replace about 15,000 megawatts of electrical
generation from plants reaching the end of their planned life, Ontario must
look at a mix of energy options.

Ms. Riley may not like nuclear energy, but the facts show that remaining
hydro sites, potential for renewables and conservation alone are not enough
to meet Ontario's need for electricity.

Mr. Efford is absolutely correct in recognizing nuclear power for its
essential contribution to meeting electricity demand with non-emitting,
economical baseload energy.

Alan Kupcis
Chairman, Canadian Nuclear Association