There is no net zero without nuclear energy

The urgent reality of climate change is especially acute in Canada. Despite our major environmental ambitions, which include a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050, our climate is warming at twice the rate of the global average. To achieve our goals and preserve our climate for future generations, we can’t afford to ignore any clean energy solution—especially not one as reliable, trusted, and effective as nuclear. Canada has a well-established reputation in nuclear, and by no means are we resting on our laurels. We’re a Tier 1 nuclear nation. There is active investment in small modular reactor (SMR) projects in Ontario like the four GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy BWRX-300 SMRs planned for deployment at the Darlington New Nuclear project site, and an additional two GE Hitachi units planned for deployment in Saskatchewan as well. There are also refurbishment projects underway. Eight reactors operated by Ontario Power Generation and fellow Canadian Chamber of Commerce Net-Zero Council member Bruce Power are currently undergoing renewal while still providing a third of Ontario’s electricity. Additionally, Canada has peaceful use of nuclear materials and technology agreements with countries like France, Japan, and the United Kingdom. And recently, Canada entered into a $3-billion export development agreement with Romania for two new Candu reactors, a deal involving another fellow Canadian Chamber Council member AtkinsRéalis, which is the exclusively licensed operator. Heather Chalmers is the president and CEO of GE Canada. Photograph courtesy of Heather Chalmers Strides are being made to maximize our nuclear potential, but we need to pick up the pace. This is a race after all, and other countries are quickly mobilizing around their own nuclear energy needs. We require more new electricity generation capacity in the next 27 years than was built in the previous 150 years. If we can do more now, then we should do more now. The first step is admitting that we aren’t doing enough. SMR and refurbishment projects are essential undertakings, but they alone cannot provide the amount of nuclear power needed to meet increased electricity demand. We also need large nuclear projects to help fill the energy deficit. The good news is the groundwork for building a nuclear-forward future is already laid. Canada has a reputable nuclear industry, a reliable supply chain that employs 76,000 people, a supply of some of the world’s highest-grade uranium deposits, and a decades-long legacy of knowledge and expertise. Building on this foundation will require investment, but it’s investment that takes advantage of our domestic skills and resources. There are key challenges to overcome. As with most every industry in Canada, the nuclear industry is experiencing a labour shortage. Accessing trained and skilled labour needed to support a bright future in the nuclear space will require partnership between governments and the industry to ensure the nuclear sector is and remains a great place to grow a career. A second challenge is the need for regulatory modernization. While due diligence, environmental considerations, and Indigenous consultations will always be a prerequisite, we can’t afford to let projects languish due to regulatory standstills. Luckily, regulatory modernization is not an undertaking that will require more money from the government—just the will to make a positive change. Investing in nuclear should be a natural choice in achieving our 2035 and 2050 goals. It also has the positive side-effect of not only helping us meet our ambitions, but also enabling our allies to do the same, while simultaneously becoming energy independent and secure in a time of greater geopolitical uncertainty. Nuclear also presents opportunity for further reconciliation and self-determination among Indigenous communities in Canada. Our fellow council member, Electricity Canada, has firsthand experience working with Indigenous communities who are proponents of a nuclear-forward future. An energy future inclusive of nuclear expansion is one in which we meet our significant electricity needs, achieve our 2050 net-zero emissions goals, and help our allies. But government needs to be an active partner in getting us there through investments in talent, regulatory modernization, and the recognition that there is no net zero without nuclear. Heather Chalmers is the president and CEO of GE Canada. She also serves as co-chair to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Net-Zero Council. The Hill Times EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was updated on Oct. 11 to reflect that AtkinsRéalis is not the owner of a Candu reactor, but is the exclusive license holder.