Critics slam lack of firm price for reactors

subscribe

Ontario is keeping taxpayers in the dark over plans to refurbish the Darlington nuclear power plant without a firm price tag, critics say.

The concerns were raised when the provincial government confirmed the move – first reported in the Star – to refurbish the 20-year old Darlington plant, extending its life to about 2050, and to give the nearby Pickering plant $300 million in upgrades to keep it running another 10 years before closing.

"It helps ensure a stable, affordable, sustainable ongoing emission-free source of energy," Energy Minister Brad Duguid said of the announcement by Crown-owned Ontario Power Generation.

Details on costs will be finalized over the next few years following studies, he said.

But without cost estimates on the Darlington job, slated to begin in 2016, New Democrats questioned how the government knows it is the most cost-effective way to ensure long-term electricity supply.

"You don't make a multi-billion dollar decision based on a guess," said New Democrat energy critic Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth).

"Either they're withholding numbers from the public or they're making a guess. In either case, that's indefensible."

The anti-nuclear group Greenpeace said it typically costs $1.5 billion to $2 billion to refurbish a nuclear reactor, so that could push the work on Darlington's four units to $8 billion or more, given that cost overruns are typical on such jobs.

Related News

ukraine-prepares-for-winter-amid-energy-challenges

Ukraine Prepares for Winter Amid Energy Challenges

KYIV - As winter approaches, Ukraine is bracing for a challenging season, especially in the energy sector, which has been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict with Russia. With the weather forecast predicting colder temperatures, the Ukrainian government is ramping up efforts to secure energy supplies and bolster infrastructure, aiming to ensure that citizens have access to heating and electricity during the harsh months ahead.

The Energy Landscape in Ukraine

The conflict has severely disrupted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leading to widespread damage and inefficiencies. Key facilities, including power plants and transmission lines, have been targeted, resulting in significant energy shortages.…

READ MORE
powerlines

Hydro-Quebec begins talks for $185-billion strategy to wean the province off fossil fuels

READ MORE

power grid

Texans to vote on funding to modernize electricity generation

READ MORE

energy storage

E.ON to Commission 2500 Digital Transformer Stations

READ MORE

coal plant

18% of electricity generated in Canada in 2019 came from fossil fuels

READ MORE