Renewables more affordable than nuclear in Ontario

Pembina Institute and Greenpeace report: Renewables more affordable than nuclear in Ontario

Solar PV and wind power can avoid the cost overruns associated with large nuclear projects, says a Greenpeace, Pembina report. Image: Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in Ontario (CNWC/CCTN)

According to a new report by Pembina Institute (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) and Greenpeace, Ontario’s government is urged to review its nuclear commitments in the next long-term energy plan, as its grid electricity demand is projected to drop back to 1992 levels by 2022.
 

The report, titled “Renewable is Doable: Affordable and flexible options for Ontario's long-term energy plan”, reveals that investing in a portfolio of renewable energy options is a more cost-effective way to meet the Canadian province’s evolving energy needs, as green electricity sources like solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power can avoid the cost overruns associated with large nuclear projects.
 

“New nuclear reactors would be providing Ontario with power it doesn’t need at a price it can’t afford,” stated Tim Weis, Director of Renewable Energy and Efficiency Policy, Pembina Institute.

 

Renewables more cost-effective than large nuclear projects

Past forecasts have overestimated Ontario’s demand for electricity in the coming decade. Therefore the province’s government would better serve electricity ratepayers if it does not include new unnecessary nuclear reactors, and reviews alternatives to repairing the province’s aging reactors, the report shows.
 

Ontario’s current long-term energy plan arbitrarily commits to generating 50% of its electricity with nuclear, regardless of both the financial and environmental costs, while removing this requirement from the next energy plan would allow more affordable green alternatives to compete with nuclear power, shows the report.