Expert Panel Convened As Alberta Considers Potential For Nuclear
Written by NucNet
Thursday, 24 April 2008
24 Apr (NucNet): An expert panel has been appointed to prepare a
research paper for debate about the potential for nuclear power
generation in the Canadian province of Alberta, where proposals to
build up to two twin-unit plants are under consideration.
Energy minister Mel Knight said: "Nuclear energy is a challenging topic because it generates strong feelings and opinions, not only in Alberta, but around the world.
"The work of the panel will provide the government and all Albertans with an unbiased examination of the issues that will help us determine together whether or not nuclear energy is the right fit for meeting Alberta's electricity needs."
Alberta's Provincial Energy Strategy, expected to be completed later this year, will also be reviewed by the panel to examine how nuclear power fits into an Alberta context.
The panel is expected to submit its report to the provincial government by the autumn. The government said it will then decide on a process for hearing the views of Albertans on the issue.
In August 2007, the Energy Alberta Corporation said it had filed an application with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for a licence to prepare for the construction of up to two twin-unit nuclear plants in Alberta.
In November 2007, a survey indicated that just over half of residents in Alberta, where proposals to build up to two twin-unit plants are under consideration, support the construction of a nuclear plant, according to a new survey.
- by John Shepherd
Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
Survey Indicates Support For New-Build In Canadian Province (News in Brief No. 37, 6 November 2007)
Bruce Power Acquires Energy Alberta, Files Application For Potential Units (World Nuclear Review No. 11, 14 March 2008)
Canadian Province To Evaluate Future Nuclear Potential (News in Brief No. 38, 1 April 2008)
