Nuclear energy provides 15% of Canada’s electricity and over 60% of Ontario’s electricity.
Ontario Power Generation operates 10 of Canada’s 19 nuclear power reactors.
Nuclear energy is part of Canada's clean, low-carbon future:
By using nuclear energy, Canada avoids 80 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
NB Power helps avoid CO2 emissions by operating a 660 MW Candu-6 nuclear reactor.
Twenty grams of uranium (nuclear energy) can displace 400 kg
of coal.
Cameco is one of the world’s largest uranium producers, bringing the benefits of nuclear energy to Canada and the world.
Nuclear energy is the most land-efficient means of electricity production.
Research companies such as Strata have conducted studies showing nuclear’s land footprint compared to other energy sources.
Videos
News
CLIMATE
Nuclear energy is helping in the fight against climate change:
Nuclear energy is helping Canada meet its climate commitments by releasing zero GHG emissions during operation.
Companies such as BWXT supply nuclear components and services so that nuclear generating stations can continue producing clean electricity.
When considering the entire lifecycle, nuclear is on par with wind in terms of CO2 emissions.
Researchers at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have determined the lifecycle emissions of all energy sources.
Nuclear enabled the province of Ontario to eliminate coal in 2015, resulting in less air pollution and related health problems.
Asthma Canada endorses the strong role that nuclear plays in meeting climate commitments while improving air quality.
Nuclear energy contributes to nine of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Saskatchewan Research Council uses nuclear technology to protect forests and reverse biodiversity loss.
HEALTH
Nuclear medicine saves and improves lives:
Nuclear technology is used to diagnose and treat various diseases, including cancer.
The Fedoruk Centre operates and manages various facilities dedicated to cancer research.
PET scans use nuclear technology to detect and visualize cancers and other defects with life-saving precision.
The life science program at TRIUMF is centred around PET imaging.
Cobalt-60, produced in CANDU reactors, is used for radiation therapy treatments around the world.
SNC-Lavalin manufactures the CANDU reactors that are used to produce Cobalt-60 in Canada.
Cobalt-60 is a medical isotope used to sterilize medical equipment such as gowns, gloves, masks, syringes and implants.
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council was recently formed to ensure a steady supply of medical isotopes.
FOOD + WATER
Nuclear technology makes food and water safe and accessible:
Food irradiation is a nuclear technique that eliminates dangerous pathogens and delays spoilage.
Nordion manufactures many of the food irradiators that are used throughout the world.
Nuclear technology is used to increase crop yields and pest-resistance, saving hundreds of millions of lives.
OKSIR uses the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to control the codling moth population in the Okanagan region of British Columbia.
Nuclear technology is used to desalinate seawater, providing fresh drinking water to developing countries.
Veolia specializes in water treatment solutions using nuclear technology.
Researchers use nuclear technology to detect and analyze red tide, a harmful toxin affecting marine life.
The International Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO is working with over 40 countries to show how nuclear technologies can be used to stop the effects of red tide.
INNOVATION
Innovation in new nuclear technologies offer immense potential:
Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer the opportunity to replace diesel generation in Canada’s north and off-grid communities.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is interested in having a demonstration SMR built on-site by 2026.
SMRs can be used to decarbonize industrial processes such as oil sands extraction.
NRCAN is leading a project to identify opportunities for on and off-grid applications of SMRs in Canada.
Nuclear technology can reduce energy demand by enhancing key urban processes like heating and energy storage.
The Rosenergoatom nuclear generating station has been providing district heat to Bilibino, Russia for over 45 years.
Fusion reactors and other advanced innovative technologies hold the promise of revolutionizing the energy industry.
General Fusion is building a fusion reactor prototype and achieving important milestones along the way.
People In Nuclear
Farshad
Shift Supervisor In Training, Bruce PowerRead More
Christina
Health and Safety Advisor, Aecon GroupRead More
Karen
Director Unit Outage, OPGRead More
Jeff
Operations Manager, Aecon GroupRead More
Joe
Field Section Manager for Radiation Protection, OPGRead More
Stephanie
Director of Operations and Maintenance, OPGRead More
Larry
Contract WelderRead More
Cheryl
Senior Communications Advisor, OPGRead More
Brandon
Steamfitter, ES FoxRead More
Jamie
Carpenter, Aecon GroupRead More
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