What are your thoughts on nukes at Nanticoke?

In recent months, there has been speculation regarding the future of energy production at Nanticoke, including reports about the possibility of a nuclear power facility – reports that have led to many questions requiring answers for those of us living in the area.

Since this issue was first raised in August 2005 - through comments made to Haldimand’s Mayor Marie Trainer by Minister of Energy Dwight Duncan - I have worked to ensure people of local communities surrounding OPG Nanticoke have answers and input.

After this issue was first raised, I distributed a survey in my annual newsletter and at local fairs, giving residents the opportunity to weigh in on the issue. While unscientific, the results did not indicate strong support for new nuclear construction at Nanticoke.

Premier McGuinty’s commitment of $40 billion for new nuclear in Ontario and a Haldimand County Council resolution supporting the establishment of a Nanticoke nuclear facility underline the need for timely answers.

To that end, I have requested, through an open letter to Dalton McGuinty, a thorough analysis of nuclear power and what it would mean for people locally – and indeed for people right across this province. I have asked that this analysis compare new nuclear at Nanticoke vs. continued coal power with investments into clean coal and carbon capture, focussing on two fronts:

A cost benefit analysis
A risk benefit analysis

Further, as any decision of this magnitude requires all cards on the table, and given the precedent set last summer in bypassing the environmental consultation process on a McGuinty Government plan requiring new nuclear, I have also called for Ontario Government-led public hearings for our area on the future direction of Nanticoke OPG.

The bottom line is area residents must be provided with reliable information, and the Ontario Government must hold public information sessions and consultations for public input prior to any movement in this regard.

What are your thoughts on nuclear at Nanticoke – give me a call (1-800-903-8629) or e-mail at toby@tobybarrett.com.

In June 2006, the Premier promised to have an ‘open and public’ debate on nuclear power. But, on Thursday June 22, 2006, the Premier said he would not subject his energy plan to an Environmental Assessment, saying “If we were to go that route, we would never be able to move forward on a plan that will meet our long-term energy needs.”

My position is clear – if Premier McGuinty wishes to consider nuclear construction at Nanticoke, he must first make the case to area residents. He must demonstrate that his plan would be safe, and would be better for the environment than investing in clean-air/carbon capture technology at the existing coal-fired facility – he must prove that his plan would be economically superior to investing in alternatives.

Given the time for planning, investment, and construction involved in any new nuclear process, nuclear, even if initiated this year, would not be available before 2015. I continue to stress the need for new investment into clear air technology to mitigate emission concerns.

I encourage the Minister of Energy to pay a visit to Nanticoke OPG to learn more about the facility and hear from those impacted – an invitation I have made in the past to both the current former Minister(s) of Energy.