A landmark Support Services Agreement (SSA) has been signed between Laurentis Energy Partners (Laurentis), an Ontario Power Generation (OPG) subsidiary, and New Brunswick Power Corporation (NB Power). Under this CAD20m ($14m) a year three-year agreement, Laurentis will provide targeted expertise and operational support to help drive performance at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station in New Brunswick.
“Ontario is proud to lead the world in nuclear excellence – and we’re now exporting that expertise to help New Brunswick succeed,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines. “This historic partnership with New Brunswick helps ensure energy reliability for their customers, while reinforcing Ontario’s position as Canada’s clean energy engine. By working together, we are protecting both our economies, creating new commercial opportunities and jobs, and powering a stronger Canadian energy future.”
Laurentis will assess Point Lepreau against the high-performance standards of Ontario’s nuclear fleet, supporting NB Power in developing and executing a tailored Excellence Plan. Structured performance oversight will include implementation of Laurentis’s ‘Governance, Oversight, Support and Perform’ model that enhances accountability and continuous improvement.
On-site support and collaboration will include quarterly visits by Laurentis to support programmes and drive improvement initiatives. Flexible support services will provide access to specialised support in engineering, and project management. Laurentis will also provide training and development resources for NB Power employees.
Laurentis President & CEO Leslie McWilliams said the agreement “builds on our long-standing relationship with NB Power and represents another step forward in strengthening Canada’s nuclear sector through collaboration”.
NB Power owns and operates Point Lepreau, which is located on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Saint John, New Brunswick. Ontario and New Brunswick are the only Canadian provinces currently generating electricity from nuclear energy, with nuclear being a source of power in Ontario for over 60 years and over 40 years in New Brunswick.
Ontario has been collaborating with New Brunswick on the future of nuclear generation, with a focus on small modular reactors (SMR). The provinces signed an MOU in December 2019 along with Saskatchewan, with Alberta joining in April 2021, to support the development and deployment of SMRs. In March 2022, the four provinces released a joint Strategic Plan for the Deployment of SMRs that highlights the benefits of SMRs and sets a path forward for the advancement of SMRs in Canada.
“New Brunswick and Ontario are known across Canada and around the world for their accomplishments in nuclear power generation,” said New Brunswick Energy Minister René Legacy. “This partnership will bolster that reputation and, more importantly, allow our two provinces to strengthen a promising working relationship for years to come.”
