Is Nuclear Energy Coming to Alberta?
by Stephanie Ho Lem, Promoting Living Green
For years coal has been fueling our electricity needs in Alberta but in 2015, then Premier Rachel Notley announced that coal will be phased out by 2030. By 2024, ahead of schedule by six years, coal was phased out due to natural gas taking over much of the generation. Natural gas produces half as much as coal in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Canada’s overall emissions have decreased but the per capita rate remains high. Canada ranked 11th highest in 2022.
The energy sector is the primary driver of Alberta’s economy and exports. Its cultural and political landscape is intertwined with the energy sector. With Alberta growing in population on an annual basis, predictions are that Alberta is expected to grow by two million by 2050. Power demand is expected to double, and electrification will increase. Herald writer Chris Varcoe reported that Edmonton based Capital Power and Ontario Power Generation formed a partnership to conduct a preliminary study on the feasibility of developing grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Alberta. Their study indicates that SMRs would “support Alberta’s energy, industrial, and technology sectors”.
Ontario leads the country in nuclear energy and is building North America’s first commercial, grid-scale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at its Darlington New Nuclear Project site. They plan on building three more but not until the first one is completed to ensure they got it right. The expected total output of the Darlington New Nuclear Project (safe, reliable, and low carbon energy) would be 1,200 megawatts; enough electricity to power 1.2 million homes and meet the increasing demand from electrification. Ontario remains one of the lowest carbon intensive jurisdictions in the world.
In the August Herald edition, the Alberta government announced it is exploring the potential of nuclear power to meet the province’s surging energy needs. Currently, Alberta leads Canada in new wind and solar installations. This surge in green power, presents challenges. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) requires a stable and a reliable power grid and continues to balance these renewable sources. Wind and solar do not produce carbon but are intermittent energy sources. Nuclear energy operates 24/7, is reliable, and does not produce carbon emissions.
Should we be wary of nuclear energy in our backyard? How can we forget Chernobyl (1986), and Fukushima (2011). Nuclear energy has improved with advancements in technology and safety measures; there are some who think nuclear energy’s dangers outweigh the benefits and there are others who believe it’s an answer to reducing carbon emissions.
Reasons Why We Cannot Ignore Nuclear Energy
• It has the lowest carbon footprint and needs few materials, less than other electricity sources. For example, to produce one unit of energy solar needs more than 17 times as much material and 46 times as much land.
• Uranium in the earth’s crust and oceans is more abundant than gold, platinum, and other rare metals.
• Doesn’t rely on weather such as wind and solar.
• Nuclear energy is safer than coal, gas, and oil as it’s less polluting.
• Nuclear energy is clean and is the least environmentally burdensome over the lifetime of a nuclear power plant.
Fighting Climate Change
As the world faces the reality of a rapidly changing climate, nuclear power is essential in the fight against climate change because of its ability to produce large amounts of low-cost power safely, reliably, and without carbon emissions. To combat climate change Canada chose the net zero goal to align with global climate targets and scientific recommendations for limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2050. Nuclear power could expand the grid and does not produce greenhouse gas thus reducing CO2 emissions in the province.
Please note: The above content is for informational purposes only.
Sources: World Population Review-Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Country 2025; Natural Resources Canada-Additional Statistics on Energy; The Walrus-The World is Moving Away From Fossil Fuels; Government of Alberta-Nuclear Energy Engagement.
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