Expansion of East-West Grid Can Replace Aging Nukes

McGuinty wants Harper to Subsidize New CANDUs
Expansion of East-West Grid Can Replace Aging Nukes

May 25, 2009 - Hydro-electricity imports from Quebec and the development of the Lower Churchill Falls Project in Labrador can replace Ontario’s aging nuclear reactors according to a report released by the Ontario Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) today.

“Water power from Quebec and Labrador are Ontario’s lowest cost supply options for additional renewable electricity. The cost of water power from Quebec and Labrador would be at least 40% lower than the cost of building new nuclear reactors at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station east of Oshawa”, said Jack Gibbons, Chair of the OCAA.

Instead of seizing this option to move Ontario towards a 100% renewable electricity grid, Premier Dalton McGuinty is asking Prime Minister Harper to subsidize Atomic Energy of Canada’s costs of building two new nuclear reactors in Ontario. “Canadian taxpayers in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal and St. John’s should not be required to subsidize Ontario’s bloated electricity consumption and high-cost and unreliable CANDU nuclear reactors”, said Mr. Gibbons.

“Prime Minister Harper should protect all Canadian taxpayers by saying ‘no’ to Premier McGuinty’s plea for another nuclear bailout”, Mr. Gibbons added.

The Ontario Clean Air Alliance Research Inc.’s report, Powerful Options: A review of Ontario’s options for replacing aging nuclear plants, can be downloaded from www.cleanairalliance.org

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For more information:
Jack Gibbons 416-926-1907 ext. 240