Energy Alberta has submitted its Initial Project Description (IPD) to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) for the proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project. The Impact Assessment (IA), led by the IAAC and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), will evaluate the potential effects of the project on the environment, health, society and economy. It will also assess the impact on Indigenous peoples and their rights.
Energy Alberta is proposing to build a nuclear generating station in the Peace River area of Northern Alberta based on two to four 1,000 MWe Candu Monark reactors. The facility would be licensed to produce up to 4,800 MWe of electricity, making a significant contribution to the province’s electricity generation. Candu reactors use natural uranium mined and processed in Canada providing lower costs and a stable, secure energy supply.
“Our goal is to help build a new, secure and sustainable economy for all Albertans utilising Canda’s world-class Candu nuclear technology,” said Scott Henuset, CEO & President of Energy Alberta. “Canada’s nuclear industry is already a robust economic engine creating high-paying jobs and generating significant revenue for governments and it’s time to bring these opportunities to Alberta.”
The federal government has pledged to triple Canada’s nuclear capacity to help meet its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The proposed facility will be a major job creator, offering thousands of high-skilled construction, operation and maintenance jobs in the region. Early estimates indicate a peak construction workforce of 5,000 and a full operations workforce of 2,000 to 3,000 direct and indirect workers.
Energy Alberta has assembled a team with extensive nuclear experience and initiated the planning required to advance a nuclear generation project in Canada, including early consultations with governments, local communities and Indigenous Nations and Communities.
The IPD provides an early overview of the proposed Peace River project, including key aspects of the design and regulatory process, and is intended to inform stakeholders and support engagement efforts that will help refine the final project design. IAAC and CNSC invited public comment and feedback on the IPD through their website until 14 May.
Energy Alberta is conducting field studies in the Peace River area as part of the site evaluation process for the proposed nuclear power project. “This work helps us ensure that potential sites meet key technical, environmental, social/cultural and safety requirements,” the company said. “Our goals when selecting a site are to reduce environmental impact by choosing a location that minimises disruption to the environment, ensure safe operations by selecting a site where environmental factors won’t affect the facility’s ability to function safely and plan risk management by identifying any potential security, health or environmental risks and putting strong mitigation strategies in place.
