New Brunswick’s energy minister emphasizes the urgency of expanding nuclear power production in the province over investing more resources in locally manufactured reactors to boost economic growth. Rene Legacy stated that prioritizing energy security is crucial, leaving economic opportunities to agencies like Opportunities New Brunswick. He clarified the distinction between energy security and development efforts to avoid confusion.
Legacy suggested considering Ontario-made reactors, recently supported with $3 billion in public funding, instead of waiting for ARC Clean Energy or Moltex reactors planned for Point Lepreau. N.B. Power confirmed that neither ARC nor Moltex would be ready by 2030, while the GE-Hitachi reactor in Darlington is expected to be operational by then.
Legacy mentioned the high cost and risk associated with first-of-a-kind technology, emphasizing the province’s preference for proven technologies. Despite significant government funding allocated to ARC and Moltex since 2018, the current direction is shifting away from supporting these projects initiated by previous governments to focus on immediate energy security needs.
Former energy minister Mike Holland had previously championed ARC and Moltex as opportunities for New Brunswick to lead in innovative technology. However, Legacy now sees the potential for these local projects to succeed commercially but acknowledges that the province may not be at the forefront of the technology. He highlighted that New Brunswick’s competition lies internationally, not just within Canada.
Green Leader David Coon opposes SMR technology and suggests abandoning it, even if it means losing the public funds invested in ARC and Moltex. Coon likened the situation to investing in a car beyond repair, emphasizing the need to stop pouring money into costly and unreliable technologies.
Ontario and New Brunswick finalized an agreement to enhance the performance of the existing nuclear reactor at Point Lepreau, with New Brunswick committing to pay Ontario Power Generation’s subsidiary $25 million annually for three years, plus potential performance bonuses based on meeting targets.
The province’s focus remains on bolstering nuclear power generation to ensure energy security, with a shift towards proven technologies and away from risky first-of-a-kind ventures.