Ontario is taking some preliminary steps towards probably constructing a brand new nuclear producing station close to Port Hope, Ont., that may very well be the most important such facility within the province if plans come to fruition.
Ontario is taking some preliminary steps towards probably constructing a brand new nuclear producing station close to Port Hope, Ont., that may very well be the most important such facility within the province if plans come to fruition.
Power Minister Stephen Lecce mentioned Wednesday that Ontario Energy Technology is exploring the likelihood following optimistic engagement with the native municipality and First Nation neighborhood.
“Now we have a requirement forecast of 75 per cent extra energy within the province, four-and-a-half cities (the scale) of Toronto — now we have so as to add to the grid,” he mentioned at a press convention.
“This growth of non-emitting nuclear power will cut back emissions and massively develop our financial system, and that is a giant benefit.”
Lecce beforehand introduced in November that he had requested Ontario Energy Technology to start discussions with municipalities and First Nation communities round three OPG-owned websites the place the province might probably construct new energy era corresponding to nuclear crops.
Port Hope and the Williams Treaties First Nations are the primary to say they’re prepared to proceed these discussions, and OPG says it’s nonetheless exploring placing new energy era at its Nanticoke website in Haldimand County and Lambton in St. Clair.
Officers say OPG expects to begin impression evaluation actions this 12 months for the Wesleyville website close to Port Hope, and would hope to get development and operation licences within the 2030s for operation within the 2040s.
Wesleyville was initially envisioned within the late Seventies as an oil-fired energy era station, however development was halted because of financial pressures, Lecce mentioned.
Officers say the positioning might assist a nuclear plant with a capability of 8,000 to 10,000 megawatts, which is bigger than any of Ontario’s presently working nuclear amenities.
The identical officers declined to supply a value estimate for such a venture, saying it was too untimely.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Jan. 15, 2025.
Allison Jones, The Canadian Press
