In its latest resource adequacy plan, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro says the province needs more power, as soon as possible. (Patrick Butler/Radio-Canada)

As Newfoundland and Labrador grapples with a rising demand for energy and a push to move away from fossil fuels, the Public Utilities Board is asking the province’s Crown hydro agency to consider nuclear energy.

It’s not a common request, given that provincial legislation currently specifies that nuclear power is out of bounds for energy planning.

Nonetheless, the board is asking Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro whether it would consider nuclear energy, if there was a legislative possibility, for its 2024 resource adequacy plan.

Like many jurisdictions, Newfoundland and Labrador knows it will need more power due to electrification of vehicles, home heating and industry. In 2023, the island used almost eight terrawatt-hours (TWh) of energy. By 2034, the need is expected to grow to 9.2 TWh.

According to John Gorman, the president of the Canadian Nuclear Association, most jurisdictions around the world will have to at least double their electricity supply — and public pressure is against using fossil fuels.

“Nuclear is a very dependable source of carbon-free electricity that nowadays can be placed almost anywhere,” said Gorman.

Crown-owned N.L. Hydro — as its name implies — is focused largely on hydroelectric power. Wind energy is also an option, with Hydro planning to purchase wind power from the private sector.

Nowadays, nuclear energy can be produced through small modular reactors, which makes it easier for provinces to add nuclear to their mix of energy sources. These reactors can be small enough to fit on a 18-wheeler truck, said Gorman.

 WATCH | The president of the Canadian Nuclear Association outlines benefits to nuclear power: 

Gorman also says that N.L.’s uranium stores mean fuel is available.

“The fuel is available in Newfoundland, both as a means of meeting its own needs, but also exporting to other parts of Canada and around the world.”

Gorman says nuclear is also good for the economy by creating jobs and by supporting the other provinces, including Quebec and the other Atlantic provinces.

“Newfoundland has such a pivotal role to play in helping other Atlantic provinces with their needs,” said Gorman. “And with this contract with Quebec expiring, thankfully you know, by 2040.”

Hydro-Québec’s contentious Churchill Falls contract with Newfoundland expires in 2041. Its terms see N.L. Hydro sell energy across the border for considerably less than Hydro-Québec earns reselling it.

Gorman says nuclear power “would be good for the environment, it would be good for energy security, and it would be great for the Newfoundland economy.”

N.L. Hydro says no to nuclear

N.L. Hydro says they considered nuclear energy at the screening stage of the 2024 Resource Adequacy planning process, even though it is prohibited by legislation.

The Electrical Power Control Act stipulates that “planning for future power supply of the province shall not include nuclear power.”

John Gorman, president of the Canadian Nuclear Association, says nuclear power is not only good for the environment, but would be good for Newfoundland’s economy and energy security. (CBC)

There are other considerations, too. For its planning process, nuclear energy options “were screened out due to high capital costs as reported by other provinces, and limitations in their use,” Jill Pitcher, Hydro’s senior communications adviser, said in a statement to CBC News.

However, Gorman says Hydro should do a more in-depth look at nuclear energy because diversifying Newfoundland’s electricity with nuclear could lower electricity costs.

“We all know that the best way to produce the lowest cost of electricity is to have the right mix of different technologies on your grid,” said Gorman.

In Ontario, nuclear sources meet over 50 per cent of the province’s power supply, and according to Gorman, it’s the lowest cost source.

Pitcher said in a statement that nuclear plants have steady output, which “does not match our province’s current supply requirements as we are looking for solutions that can provide dynamic amounts of supply for peaking or emergency purposes.”

Gorman says small modular reactors would be able to meet these dynamic needs, as they’re responsive and can be turned up and down very quickly.

“They could help Newfoundland not only create the sort of on-and-off base load that’s needed to support other forms of electricity but be helping Newfoundland create other forms of energy like hydrogen when it’s not being used for electricity,” he said.

However, Pitcher says if nuclear technologies evolve to be more cost-effective and reliable — and if legislation allowed it — nuclear solutions could be considered in the future.

The Public Utilities Board said it could not comment now as it is still in the information-gathering stage of the reliability and resource study.

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