Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Nuclear Country Notes

Canada

There are currently 20 nuclear power reactors in Canada that are operational or being refurbished for operation in the near future. These reactors are for the most part located in the province of Ontario, which houses 18 reactors: Bruce (8), Pickering (6) and Darlington (4). There is one reactor in Quebec (Gentilly) and another in New Brunswick (Point Lepreau). Of these 20 reactors, 18 are currently in full commercial operation. All Canadian nuclear power plants are of the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) type, using the Candu design. Canada's operational nuclear generation capacity is about 12.5 GW. In 2005, these facilities provided 87 TWh, equal to 15% of Canada's total electrical generation.

Two nuclear reactors are laid-up at the Bruce A station. The first unit that is being refurbished, Bruce A1, is expected to be re-commissioned by 2009, while Bruce A2 should be re-commissioned in 2010. Once re-commissioned, these reactors will increase nuclear generating capacity by 1 540 MW.

In addition to the 20 reactors noted above, there are two reactors at Pickering that are closed, Pickering A2 and A3 (both rated at 515 MW). Currently, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), which owns the reactors, does not view restarting these reactors as an economically viable option. However, should conditions warrant it, OPG may proceed with their refurbishment.

The Ontario government and Ontario Power Generation are also considering building new nuclear generation facilities at the Darlington site. This process is currently in its early stages. A submission has been made to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for a Site Preparation License.

The CNSC is an independent agency of the federal Government in charge of regulating the nuclear industry and nuclear materials. The federal Government also provides financial support for the research and development programme of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL).

In March 2007, Energy Alberta was reported to be planning for a two-unit Candu NPP to supply steam and electricity for oil sands extraction and processing. The units would come into operation in 2016 and 2017 and would probably be followed by two more.