Doug Ford’s Government is planning to build 4 NEW nuclear reactors at the Darlington Nuclear Station, but Energy Minister Lecce won’t reveal how much these reactors will cost.
1. There is an urgent need for transparency.
2. Likely Costs: Based on recent U.S. nuclear project costs, the new Darlington reactors could cost around $26 billion.
3. Renewables are cheaper – Nuclear is EXPENSIVE: Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) estimates that new nuclear power will cost Ontarians 2 – 3 times more than new wind & solar power.
4. Storage: Ontario has many options for storing wind & solar energy, including stationary batteries, EV batteries, & coordination with Quebec’s massive hydro reservoirs, which can act like a giant battery. This means renewables can meet our energy needs even when it isn’t windy or sunny!
5. Nuclear is TOO SLOW to address the climate crisis: The proposed new nuclear project for Darlington won’t be completed until 2036 – or later. New solar and wind projects can be completed in 12 months (or less!).
6. Nuclear is not where the world is headed: No new commercial nuclear reactors are under construction in the U.S. In 2023, 85% of the world’s new electricity supply was renewable. Ontario is falling behind.