Seeking support for nuclear
The Canadians for CANDU campaign says wider adoption of nuclear power to generate electricity would have a significant impact on lowering CO2 emissions. shaunl via getty images
With its decades-long record of delivering low-cost, safe and efficient energy supply, CANDU nuclear reactors are an existing solution to the urgent need for emission-free electricity generation, according to the recently launched Canadians for CANDU campaign.
Headed by former Prime Minister Jean Chretien and former Ontario Premier Mike Harris as co-chairs, and supported by ambassadors representing industry, academia and trades unions, the campaign is calling on the federal and provincial governments to support the only made-in-Canada nuclear technology on the market to help the country reach net-zero and support a thriving domestic nuclear ecosystem.
“The contribution CANDU nuclear reactors have made to Canada’s global leadership position is immeasurable,” says Mr. Chretien. “I should know, having directly participated in their sale to other countries as Prime Minister. With the global push to decarbonize economies, CANDU technology can once again help position Canada as a leader in providing safe, reliable and clean energy to our international partners.”
Mr. Harris says Canadians should be proud of Canada’s world-class nuclear ecosystem that has helped supply the country and the world with an abundance of safe and reliable clean electricity.
“I’m eager to help support the continued development of the innovation that started it all – CANDU reactors,” he says.
The campaign positions Canadian energy policy at a crossroads as the country moves rapidly toward a net-zero future driven by clean nuclear power and asks whether Canada will seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take on a global leadership role with CANDU, the only Canadian-made and Canadian-owned nuclear technology on the market.
Canada’s choice, according to the campaign, is to be a buyer and importer or a builder and exporter of world-class nuclear technology that supports a home-grown supply chain creating Canadian jobs, fostering innovation and promoting economic growth.
Canada’s nuclear industry currently employs more than 76,000 people across a wide variety of professions and skilled trades. That number could grow rapidly if new CANDU reactors, built using Canadian workers, components and supply chains, are deployed across the country, according to the campaign.
Each CANDU Monarch reactor – the laterst CANDU technology – sold abroad could create up to 25,000 Canadian jobs, tapping into an existing, highly experienced Canadian supply chain of over 200 companies. Further, only CANDU reactors use natural uranium mined in Canada. In contrast, alternatives developed outside of Canada use highly regulated and controlled enriched uranium.
The campaign notes that with power grids being decarbonized worldwide, global electricity demand is set to rise 30 per cent by 2030. Supply will need to be rapidly increased to meet growing demand, with nuclear playing a critical role alongside hydro, wind, solar and other sources.
In addition, CANDU is the only nuclear reactor technology that produces medical isotopes without interrupting electricity generation. Isotopes diagnose and treat disease, and are a vital life-saving innovation, with 40 million nuclear medicine procedures performed each year.
For more information visit canadiansforcandu.com
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