nuclear-news

Future of Point Lepreau Nuclear Power Plant: “All options must be considered,” including its closure.

Ici New Brunswick, Pascal Raiche-Nogue, 14 Nov 24

It’s time to reassess the future of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant, according to New Brunswick’s public energy advocate. Closing it permanently should be one of the options under consideration, he said.

The plant, located about 50 kilometres from Saint-Jean, was taken out of service for 100 days last April to carry out maintenance work. However, additional problems have delayed its return to service.

NB Power now expects it will start generating electricity again in December , at least four months later than planned.

“It’s certainly worrying ,” said the public defender for the energy sector, Alain Chiasson, in an interview……………………..

Is Point Lepreau on its way to becoming a white elephant?

He said the time has come to take stock of the current situation and the future of the plant. He believes that difficult questions need to be asked.

The question is: are we putting money into a white elephant that will cost us more than the energy we will be able to get out and the profits? We should do a cost-benefit study to see if Point Lepreau is still profitable for New Brunswickers , he said.

Mr. Chiasson does not go so far as to make a statement, but he argues that it is better to start thinking about it sooner rather than later, given the complexity of the issue.

“NB Power should start looking at what can be done with Lepreau in the future and consider all options, possibly including closure, if it is for the benefit of New Brunswickers.“

Will Susan Holt’s government have the political courage to launch this reflection? 
“I have no idea and I will let the new government make its decisions” , replies Alain Chiasson. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2119748/centrale-nucleaire-futur-energie-nb?

November 17, 2024 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Canada