think nuclear

7/27/2019 Think Nuclear

1/6

A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET

THINK NUCLEAR

nuclearinnovations.ca

POWERING OUR LIVESOntario is home to the innovation that will help power Canadas

next generation with emission-free energy.Featuring

OPPORTUNITYFOR ALL

Careers for thenext generation

REFURBISHINGDARLINGTONAn investment

in Ontario

EXCELLENCE THROUGHINNOVATION

HowCanada is leadingresearch in nuclear medicine

PHOTO:CAMECO

DID YOU KNOW?

NUCLEAR POWERHELPSAVOID89 MILLION

TONNES OF CO2

EMISSIONSINCANADA ANNUALLY

OR THE SAMEAMOUNT AS TAKING81% OF CANADAS

CARS OFF THEROAD!


2/6

A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET2 NUCLEARINNOVATIONS.CA

CHALLENGES

Nuclear: The backbone of Ontariosenergy mix

Reliable, emissions-

free and cost-effect-

ive, nuclear energy

not only powers our

economy but drives

it as well. It pro-

vide s about half our gener ation

now and, as outlined in Achiev-

ing Balance, Ontarios Lo ng-Term

Energy Plan, will continue to do so

well into the future.

As the largest producer of nucle-

ar electricity in Canada, Ontario has

been operating nuclear power safe-

ly and successfully for over 40 years.

Our nuclear sector supports an in-

novative manufacturing indus-

try and a highly-skilled work force

employing about 60,000 people inplant operation and support, nucle-

ar refurbishment, and manufactur-

ing supply chain.

As a result, we have developed an

international reputation for safety

and excellence, known worldwide

for our technological innovation

and experience. Ontario-driven

technology, skills, and expertise are

already found in nuclear facilities

all around the world, and the World

Association of Nuclear Operators

has recognized us as having some

of the highest performing facilities.

With the Bruce Power site in Kin-

cardine, were also home to the lar-

gest operating nuclear generating

facility in the world.

From the state-of-the-art nucle-

ar equipment manufacturing fa-

cility at Babcock & Wilcox in Cam-

bridge, to the first-of-its kind Dar-

lington Energy Complex home

to the most advanced mock-up and

tools for nuclear refurbishment

Ontario is well positioned to global-

ly market our unique skills, exper-

tise, and homegrown businesses.

We have experience in moderniz-ing our sector and we know how to

keep it running smoothly and re-

liably. These are the kind of skills

that will serve us well in the inter-

national marketplace.

Looking forwardLast year, our government re-

affi rmed our commitment to the

nuclear industry when we made the

refurbishment of the existing Bruce

and Darlington sites a key part of our

updated Long-Term Energy Plan.

Refurbishment means thousands

of megawatt hours of clean genera-

tion, and thousands of jobs and op-

portunities for Ontario workers

and businesses. It also means max-

imum value for ratepayers by post-

poning building new sources of

generation. Altogether, refurbish-

ment projects, nuclear plants oper-

ation, and support are expected to

create 25,000 jobs and inject $5 bil-

lion into our economy.

Nuclear power is and will con-

tinue to be an important part of our

economy and electricity system for

generations to come. As the industrygrows, we will continue to identify

and pursue opportunities to build,

innovate, and expand Ontarios nu-

clear sector doing it safely, respon-

sibly and with care.

Mediaplanets business is to create newcustomers for our advertisers by providingreaders with high-quality editorial contentthat motivates them to act.

Hon. Bob Chiarelli, MPP

MINISTER OF ENERGY

We have developedan internationalreputation for safetyand excellence,known worldwide forour technologicalinnovation andexperience.

The good newsis that Canadianinnovators arefinding solutionsthat will ensurethat future isotopeshortages are avertedat home and abroad.

PREDICTING GROWTHAtomic Energy of CanadaLimited in Chalk River, Ontariois one of the provinces hubsof nuclear energy innovation.PHOTO:AECL

BOB CHIARELLI, MPP

[email protected]

RON OBERTHPRESIDENT, ORGANIZATION OF

CANADIAN NUCLEAR INDUSTRIES

[email protected]

Ontario has positioned itself asa global hub of nuclear innovationand expertise promising a safe and secure energy future for the province.

THINK NUCLEARFIRST EDITION, SEPTEMBER 2014

Publisher:Ian Solnick

Business Developer:Martin KocandrleManaging Director:Joshua NagelProduction Manager:Laura Shaw

Lead Designer: Matthew SenraDesigner:Scott Dixon

Contributors:Hon. Bob Chiarelli,Ted Davis, Duff McCourt, Ron Oberth,

Joe Rosengarten, Colleen Sidford

Send all inquiries [email protected]

Distributed within:The Toronto Star, September 2014

This section was created by Mediaplanetand did not involve the Toronto Star or its

Editorial Departments.

Cover:Canadas nuclear industry empowers

communities. A plant worker is pictured atCamecos Port Hope facility.

Fact: CNA Factbook 2013

Saving lives:Leaders in innovation

FOR MORE ON

NUCLEAR

INNOVATION

FROM

OUR PARTNERS

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Continued investment innuclear generation assetswill result in the best out-come for Ontarios econ-omy (up to 20 percent lowerelectricity prices, 100,000more jobs and $60 billion ineconomic benefit) and theenvironment (100,000 MTfewer GHG emissions).

Ontarios 20 CANDU nuclear power

plants have provided cost-effective,re-

liable electricity to the Ontario grid for

more than 40 years.Nuclears share of

electrical energy supply has increased

to over 50 percent for the last 20 years.

The reliable,clean and low-cost elec-

tricity generated by these units has

helped to make Ontario the industrial

heartland of Canada.

The Canadian nuclear industry dir-

ectly employs almost 30,000 people

in Canada, with more than 22,000 of

these quality and sustainable jobs in

Ontario where nuclear compan-

ies,utilities and large manufacturers,

often form the economic and social

backbone of their host communities.

An eye on emissionsOCI, in collaboration with the Power

Workers Union, commissioned de-

tailed analysis in 2013 by Strategic

Policy Economics (Strapolec Inc.),

a respected energy and economic

consulting firm, that clearly demon-

strated that investment in Ontarios

nuclear generation capacity will de-

liver the greatest benefit to Ontario

ratepayers and the economy, while

dramatically reducing future green-

house gas (GHG) emissions.

The study confirmed that focus-

ing Ontario power system invest-

ments into nuclear power genera-

tion assets will lead to lower electri-

city costs and greater investment in

Ontario delivering some $60 bil-

lion in greater direct benefit to On-

tarios economy through lower-cost

electricity and greater spend in On-

tario. It will also provide a strong-

er Ontario economy that can afford

better health and social benefits for

all Ontarians. This fact-based com-

parative analysis showed that con-

tinued reliance on nuclear genera-

tion as a key part of Ontarios elec-

tricity supply mix (versus a larger

wind/gas program) will generate100,000 more quality jobs (many in

Ontarios declining but vital manu-

facturing sector), with almost

110,000,000 fewer tonnes of GHG

emissions over 20 years. Imposing

a carbon tax to electricity produced

by gas plants will widen the benefits

gap in favour of the nuclear option.

Innovation throughcompetitionIn addition to the Ontario econom-

ic benefits outlined above, Ontarios

continued investment in nuclear

generation will enable Canadian

nuclear equipment manufactur-

ing and engineering companies

to more effectively compete in the

robust nuclear export market. On-

tario has a well-established and vi-

brant nuclear supply industry with

a track record spanning four dec-

ades dating back to the innova-

tive design, construction, and com-

missioning of the Pickering nucle-

ar power plant. Ontarios nuclear

industry is now poised for export

growth stimulated and encour-

aged by domestic projects.

The World Nuclear Association

states that there are 435 nuclear re-

actors operating or operable world-wide, with 72 reactors under con-

struction, and a further 174 reactors

in various planning stages. Ontarios

nuclear supply chain is already act-

ively engaged in supplying to this

dynamic export market. In fact, OCI,

with support of Ontario and Federal

governments, has led successful nu-

clear trade missions to the United

Kingdom, United States, India, and

China over the last 18 months. OCI is

planning future nuclear trade mis-

sions to Argentina, Romania and

Korea over the next eight months.

Investments in reactor refurbish-

ments as well as in design and con-

struction of new reactors (with a

strong reliance on Ontario content)

will allow our home-based nucle-

ar suppliers to attract and develop

skilled resources, acquire advanced

manufacturing equipment,and to ex-

ploit these capabilities in these tar-

geted export markets.Ontario electri-

city supply decisions need to be taken

in the context of an overall indus-

trial strategy for the province.This is

a strategy that can be underpinned by

the proven track record of our nuclear

industry and validated by a well-docu-

mented, almost worldwide accept-

ance that nuclear energy has a key

role to play in our global fight against

the real risks of climate change.

Ontarios energy supply decisions

impact the health of Ontarios belea-

guered manufacturing sector. First-

ly, lower cost electricity will retain

and attract industry and manufac-

turing jobs to Ontario. It will also in-

crease household disposable income

and spending in our economy.

Secondly, investment in our nu-clear reactor fleet creates high value

jobs in Ontario by exploiting unique

and well established capabilities in

our existing nuclear industry al-

ternative supply options depend on

imported fuel (gas from Alberta and

the United States) and imported

equipment (wind turbine compon-

ents and solar panels from Europe

and China), creating jobs in other

provinces and counties.

A commitment to nuclear means real jobs

and tangible economic benefits for Ontario

Investment in Ontarios nuclear generationcapacity will deliver the greatest benefit toOntario ratepayers and the economy, whiledramatically reducing future greenhousegas (GHG) emissions.


3/6

NEWS

A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET NUCLEARINNOVATIONS.CA 3

The zero carbon emission

electricity thats generated

by Onta rios nuclear power

stations plays an integral role in

the provinces diverse e nergy mix.

But to remain operating at their

fullest potential, and to maximize

lifespan, the most technical and

important components of a nucle-

ar reactor require mid-life refur-

bish ment, whic h usua lly occurs

when theyve been in oper ation

for between 25 and 30 years.

Benefits of refurbishmentNuclear energy remains a vital

part of the solution to Ontarios

energy mix and nuclear refur-

bishments are an integral part of

that mix, explains Professor Ja-

tin Nathwani, Ontario Research

Chair in Public Policy for Sustain-

able Energy and Executive Director,

Waterloo Institute for Sustainable

Energy (WISE) at the University

of Waterloo. In the context of the

global climate change challenge,

a pathway for a transition to an ef-

fective low-carbon energy future

will make it imperative for nuclear

to play an important role.

Not only does the expansion of

nuclear potential make the plan-

ning process for Ontarios electri-

city system more robust, it will al-

so deliver benefits to future gen-

erations through a low-carbon

national energy system. Refur-

bishments have the potential to re-

invigorate Ontarios nuclear supply

chains, attract high-quality profes-

sionals, and stimulate strategic in-

vestment in a diverse sustainable

energy portfolio, says Nathwani.

Accounting for one-seventh of

the planets electricity generation,

nuclear energy is proven to deliv-

er low-carbon, low-cost base load

power on a large scale. Nuclear

in Ontario also has a strong safety

track record and has delivered enor-

mous environmental benefits,

Professor Nathwani says.

A sensible choiceFor a nuclear reactor to even be con-

sidered for refurbishment, it needs

to hold an impeccable safety record

and a proven history of delivering

low cost power.

Significant attention has to be

given to the cost question, says

Nathwani. Refurbishments must

pass the key test of delivering

value to customers throu gh low

cost electricity.

Recognized as being one of the

top performing nuclear plants in

the world, the Darlington CANDU

plant is a sound choice for refur-

bis hme nt. Da rli ngto n was re-

cently recognized by the nuclear

industry, for the second year in a

row, as a top performing plant in

the world. And Darlington has re-

ceived, for the fifth year in a row,

the Canadian Nuclear Safety Com-

missions (CNSC) highest safety

assessment finding of Fully Satis-

factory, explains Dietmar Rein-

er, Senior VP of Nuclear Projects

at OPG. For all of those reasons,

its a very good starting point for

refurbishment.

Meticulous planningAs part of the preparation process

for the refurbishment, OPG built

the Darlington Energy Complex, a

300,000 sq ft facility that is home to

a full-scale mock-up of the Darling-

ton reactor. The mock-up allows the

workforce to learn and then repeat-

edly rehearse their tasks in a con-

trolled, realistic environment that is

dimensionally accurate to the react-

ors in the station.

The full-scale mock up is some-

thing that is worth its weight in

gold, said Reiner. Its an import-

ant element for tooling as well be-

cause it gives us the opportunity to

ensure that the tools perform exact-

ly as designed. All sequences of work

required on the reactor will be tested

and fine tuned on the mock-up first.

Developing expertiseThe Darlington refurbishment is a

real opportunity to strengthen and

grow Ontarios expertise in nuclear

power. The concerted effort to con-

trol and manage costs of the project

will be directly reflected in the af-

fordable energy prices that Darling-

ton will provide.

The refurbishment project will

provide Ontarians with clean

energy for a further 25 to 30 years,

but its not only of benefit to cit-

izens, who pay less for nuclear

energy than other forms of power,

the environment benefits massive-

ly, too. Its undoubted that nuclear

power will be a key energy source

going forward, as our planet at-

tempts to reduce its toxic relation-

ship with fossil fuels.

Nuclear power is a critical part of

the Ontario energy mix, says Rein-

er. We can produce large volumes

of power at low cost at Darlington.

Our goal is to deliver a successful-

ly refurbished Darlington station:

safely, to the quality that is required

in a nuclear environment, on time,

and on a fact-based budget.

Ontarios current nuclear refurbishment projects will help to power

the province with reliable, clean, and affordable energy fordecades to come.

NUCLEAR REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS PLAYING AKEY ROLE IN SECURING ONTARIOS ENERGY FUTURE

JOE ROSENGARTEN

[email protected]

Nuclear energy not only creates electricity.

It also creates jobs.

Ontario Power Generation is preparing to refurbish

the Darlington Nuclear station. This large scaleproject will provide clean, low-cost and reliable

electricity to power Ontario homes, businesses,

hospitals and schools for decades to come.

It will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs

within Ontarios nuclear and skilled manufacturing

industries.

And thats the kind of energy people energy thatsimportant to all of us.

Project Engineer

ONTARIO POWER

THAT CREATESJOBS NOWAND FOR THE NEXT

GENERATION.

AN EYE FOR DETAILLEFT:An aerial view of Darlington

Nuclear Generating Station in

Clarington, Ontario.

RIGHT:The Darlington Energy Complexhouses the worlds first reactor mock-up, which will allow staff to wearprotective equipment and perform full

work rehearsals.

PHOTOS: ONTARIO POWER GENERATION


4/6

INSIGHT


A wealth of opportunityIn an industry made up of a little

less than 20 percent women and a

workforce dominated primarily by

men who are reaching the end of

their careers, it is sometimes easy

for young women and other profes-

sionals to overlook the numerous

career options open to them in the

nuclear industry.Retirements and

loss of critical technical knowledge

means that there will be a huge gap

in the number of people who have

the skills and expertise to run the

nuclear power stations.

Women can fill that gap, but

we need to ensure that they are

obtaining the necessary train-

ing and technical skills. It is al-

so important for them to under-

stand that by building a career in

nuclear, they are helping to cre-

ate a clean, safe, reliable, low car-

bon base load source of power that

is an important part of Canadas

clean energy portfolio.

Strong leadershipThe good news is that women cur-

rently working in the application

of radiation and nuclear technol-

ogy are making a vital contribu-

tion as leaders. They are devoting

a great deal of their volunteer time

working to provide an opportun-

ity for women to succeed in the in-

dustry through initiatives such as

mentoring, networking and per-

sonal development opportunities.

Women are strong opinion lead-

ers in our country and a womens

perspective has played a limited

role in the past in nuclear.It is im-

portant for our voice to be heard inproviding our public support of all

aspects of the nuclear industry.

More than half of all electri-

city produced in Ontario

comes from nuclear power.

It keeps our lights on, it heats our

homes in the winter, it keeps our

food cold in the refrigerator, and it

even charges our green electric cars.

Though wind, solar, biomass, and

natural gas make up a growing por-

tion of the supply mix, the largest

share of baseload generation will, for

economic, environmental, and prac-

tical reasons, remain nuclear for the

foreseeable future.

Canadas nuclear industry is vital

to Canada, and especially Ontario,

says Preston Swafford, Chief Execu-

tive Offi cer and President of Candu

Energy Inc. As a thriving industry,

we employ about 60,000 people in

well-paying, well-respected jobs.

These workers are employed in oper-

ation, maintenance, decommis-

sioning, and refurbishment of Can-

adas nuclear fleet. But this direct

reliance is only one side of the coin

when discussing the importance of

nuclear power in Canada.

Canada: A natural nuclearleaderCanada drives the cutting edge

of nuclear globally, with AECLs

(Atomic Energy of Canada Limit-

ed) research and Candu Energys

technology being both historic-

al and present-day world leaders.

Canadian-built reactors are used in

countries worldwide. As a result of

these exports and foreign contracts,

Canadas nuclear industry is much

larger than the demand for nuclear

power within Canada alone.

We are working very closely with

Argentine and Romanian utilities

now on potential new build pro-jects, says Swafford. Either one of

those projects would potentially in-

ject several billion dollars directly

into the Canadian economy. Signifi-

cantly, Canada is also the worlds lar-

gest producer of the uranium ores

which power these reactors, with

remaining reserves estimated to be

the third largest in the world after

only Australia and Kazakhstan.

The nuclear workforce:More diverse than youmight thinkConsidering a career in the nuclear

industry is a solid decision for any

student in Canada, not just those in

science and engineering. We have

PhD scientists, weve got engineers

of almost every discipline, weve got

highly trained operating positions,

mechanical trade and construction

jobs, says Ron Oberth, President

Organization of Canadian Nuclear

Industries. Its a whole breadth of

roles, and those of course are sup-

ported by other roles like finance,

communications, human resources,

and many others.

With an aging workforce and ba-

by boomers retiring en masse, there

are opportunities for new workers in

all these fields. Oberth indicates that

some specialties are undergoing

particular growth as technology ad-

vances, including cybersecurity, in-

formation technology, and especial-

ly control system design. A pump

built now looks much like a pump

designed when the plants were

brought into service fifty or sixty

years ago, but the new digital control

panels look very different from the

analog control plants used in the ori-

ginal designs, he explains.

A nuclear educationUnsurprisingly, there is a demand

for focused education in Nuclear En-

gineering, particularly at the gradu-

ate level. The University Network of

Excellence in Nuclear Engineering

(UNENE) is a non-profit dedicated to

ensuring that Canada remains the

world leader in both nuclear theory

and practise. As one of its primary

initiatives, UNENE supports and

funds nuclear research at univer-

sities across the country. The sup-

port of research in universities is a

key means of ensuring the availabil-

ity of highly qualified personnel for

the nuclear industry, says UNENE

President Basma Shalaby.

UNENE, along with its research

program,offers a Masters Degree (M.

Eng) in Nuclear Engineering,in asso-

ciation with a number of accredited

universities in Ontario to foster in-

dustry excellence. Designed primar-

ily for professionals already work-

ing in the industry, the courses areoffered on weekends and are avail-

able via telepresence technology for

those unable to attend class. Employ-

ers within the industry specifically

recognize the benefits of this degree

when filling positions.About 100 pro-

fessionals have graduated to date.

A rewarding and fulfillingcareer

A career in the nuclear industry

may not be the first that most young

people consider, but they are doing

themselves a disservice if they dont

consider it at all. Nuclear power is

vital to our day-to-day lives in On-

tario, it plays a key role in Canadas

greater economy, and it remains a

fascinating technology.

Its a very fulfilling career, Shal-

aby emphasizes. If you survey

people who have worked in the nu-

clear industry, adds Oberth, you

will find that very few leave the in-

dustry early. In fact many people

stay on and work past their usualretirement age because they really

love what they do.

Its hard to find a job with a strong-

er endorsement than that.

DONT MISS

A vital role

COLLEEN SIDFORD

[email protected]. MCCOURT

[email protected]

Powerful nuclear education and careeropportunities for the next generation

Colleen Sidford,

PRESIDENT,

WOMEN IN

NUCLEAR (WiN)

CANADA

AN INDUSTRY ON THE RISECanadas nuclear energy sector is

at the forefront of global energy

innovation and execution har-

nessing viable energy possibilities

for now, and for decades to come.

With more than 60,000 direct and

indirect jobs in the Ontario nucle-

ar industry alone, the prospects

for young professionals looking

to make their mark as pioneers in

Canadas clean energy legacy are

abundant.

The onslaught of widespread baby

boomer retirement, and the evolv-

ing need for critical technical know-

ledge in the nuclear field, means

great breaks in career advance-

ment for todays newly emerging,

tech-savvy generation of men and

women. Simply put, in the global tri-

fecta of technology, environmental

sustainability, and job security, nu-

clear shines bright for our future.

With an aging workforce and babyboomers retiring en masse, there areopportunities for new workers in allthese fields.

From construction, to finance and marketing, to nuclear engineering and

beyond,Canadas nuclear industries offer options for all.

www.candu.com

DEEP RIVER SCIENCE ACADEMY

Engaging and committing young

Canadians to safe and well-paying

careers in our nuclear industries is vital.

PHOTO: AECL

PHOTO: ONTARIO POWER GENERATION

[email protected]


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A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET NUCLEARINNOVATIONS.CA 5

Advancing

Knowledge

Accelerating

Innovation

CreatingLeaders

Isotopes for Science, Medicine and BusinessCanadas national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics | www.triumf.ca

T

he nuclear medicine field in

Canada will face new chal-

lenges when production ofthe technetium-99m isotope used

around the world to diagnose ail-

ments from cancer to heart disease

is slated to stop in 2016 at the Na-

tional Research Universal Reactor in

Chalk River, Ontario.

But researchers across the coun-

try have embraced this change as

an opportunity to devise and de-

velop replacement technologies ,

and are confident that their solu-

tions will be equal to or even better

than the technetium-99m from the

Chalk River reactor.

In the late 2000s, the world-

wide med ica l communi ty was

in the grips of an isotope crisis

when two of the largest produ-

cers of technetium-99m (Tc-99m)

were tempo rarily sidel ined with

technical problems. Tc-99m is the

worlds most widely used isotope,

employed millions of times per

year to image, f or example, hea rt

disease after heart attacks.

One of the producers is the NRU

reactor at Chalk River, which has

typically been producing 40 to 50

percent (and up to 80 percent) of the

worlds supply of the isotope molyb-

denum-99 (Mo-99), the precursor to

Tc-99m. When the NRU stops pro-

duction after 57 years of operation, it

will effectively end the current sup-

ply of Tc-99m in Canada. Thats the

bad news.

The good news is that Can-

adian innovators are finding solu-

tions that will ensure that future

isotope shortages are averted athome and abroad.

New cyclotron for medicalimaging in SaskatchewanSituated at the University of Sas-

katchewan, the Sylvia Fedoruk Can-

adian Centre for Nuclear Innova-

tion is named for one of the na-

tions nuclear medicine trailblaz-

ers. It will operate the provinces

first medical cyclotron accelerator

and radioisotope laboratory, now

under construction. This machine

will produce radioactive isotopes

for use in imaging procedures, in-

cluding diagnosing cancers. Con-

struction of the cyclotron will be

finished at the end of October and

will start operating next year. It will

be able to produce a variety of med-

ical isotopes applicable to nuclear

medicine, including an agent for

PET-CT imaging at Saskatoons Roy-

al University Hospital for the diag-

nosis of cancer and other diseases.

Our expectation is that re-

searchers in Canada will soon de-

velop alternatives to technetiu m-

99m for medical imaging, and that

these will work as well or even bet-

ter, says Fedoruk Centre Executive

Director Neil Alexander.

New medical isotopes and im-

aging techniques can replace trad-

itional Tc-99m procedures, but Tc-

99ms status as the worlds work-

horse isotope remains. There is

really nothing that can replace it,

says Dr. Jean-Luc Urbain, President

of the Canadian Association of Nu-

clear Medicine (CANM). The world

has realized that the NRU is going

offl ine, and is looking for a replace-

ment strategy.

So the federal government has

funded three initiatives to ensure a

domestic supply of Tc-99m from al-

ternative sources post 2016.

B.C. innovation to addressshortage of isotopesOne initiative in B.C. is working

hard to develop a non-reactor-

based, made-i n-Canada soluti on

to produce Tc-99m. Researchers at

TRIUMF lead this team; a national

laboratory for particle and nuclear

physics located in Vancouver. For

over 50 years, isotopes have been

a mainstay of nuclear medicine,

said TRIUMF Director Dr. Jonathan

A. Bagger. At TRIUMF, we are using

accelerators to produce known iso-

topes and to create new ones for

use in diagnostics and therapeutics

here and around the world.

Across the country, hospitals and

universities use a number of cyclo-

tron accelerators. Regional infra-

structure investments, such as the

new cyclotron at the Fedoruk Centre,

represent why Canada has one of the

worlds most advanced cyclotron in-

stall-bases. Canada is thus uniquely

positioned to pursue this alternative

production route for Tc-99m.

TRIUMF and its partners are

developing next-generation tech-

nology that will allow commun-

ities across Canada to produce

locally sourced medical isotopes,

including Tc-99m, said Dr. Bag-

ger. This will improve the secur-

ity of Canadas isotope supply and

ensure a reliable source of iso-

topes for all Canadians.

Cyclotron production of Tc-99m

has several advantages over reactor-

produced Tc-99m, including produc-

tion without a nuclear reactor, with-

out enriched uranium, and without

long-lived radioactive waste. Other

teams in Canada are pursuing sim-

ilar projects with other production

means, further demonstrating Can-

adian innovation in action. When it

comes to Tc-99m, Canada continues

to lead the way.

CANADIAN INNOVATORS ONTRACK TO SOLVE ISOTOPE SHORTAGE

NUCLEAR ENERGY IN CANADA

SOURCE: CNA FACTBOOK 2013

TED DAVIS

[email protected]

TRIUMF and its partners are developing next-generation technology that will allow com-munities across Canada to produce locallysourced medical isotopes.

The two most important medicalapplications of nuclear technology aremedical imaging for research and diagnosis,and radiotherapy for cancer treatment.

Radioisotopes (a.k.a. medical isotopes orradionuclides) can be used to diagnose arange of diseases, including cardiovascular

diseases and most types of cancer.

Radioisotopes are produced in nuclearreactors, as well as by other devices calledcyclotrons.

Canada is a leading producer ofradioisotopes, providing about 20-30percent of global supply.

ADVANCING MEDICINEConstruction crews hoist a newcyclotron into the Fedoruk Institute forNuclear Innovations state-of-the-artfacility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.PHOTO: FEDORUK INSTITUTE FOR NUCLEAR

INNOVATION


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Todays decision makers share a common

challenge: to provide low-carbon, reliable,

affordable electricity; to create jobs and economic

wealth; and, to address climate change. Nuclear is

Ontarios best energy option for achieving success.

The planned mid-life refurbishment of six nuclear

units at Bruce Power and four at Ontario Power

Generations (OPG) Darlington site is good news.Almost 50 percent of Ontarios electricity supply

will be renewed for the next 30 years at very

reasonable rates while producing no greenhouse

gas (GHG) emissions. Both companies will be

subject to enhanced oversight because of the

extraordinary importance of these projects.

Ontario has deferred building two new reactors

planned for Darlington. Ontarios energy planners

point to the temporary electricity surplus as a

reason to delay these nuclear investments. The

province should not be lulled into complacency

about future electricity needs by this short-termsituation. Less than a decade ago Ontarians faced

significant power shortages. In fact, it was the

global recession that caused the biggest reduction

in provincial power demand, not conservation. A

growing population, increased economic growth

and the electrification of transportation could

change the equation in short order. As well,

the scheduled closure of the Pickering Nuclear

Generating Station in 2020 means losing 3,000

megawatts of GHG emission-free electricity.

Ontarios commercially viable hydroelectric

potential is limited. Intermittent wind and solargeneration dont emit GHGs, but because they

dont produce electricity for more than 70

percent of the time, they require back up from

GHG-emitting, fossil fuel generation. Based on

a full life-cycle analysis, natural gas generation

emits 469 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent

per kilowatt-hour compared to 16 grams for

nuclear power. This difference was underscored

in a 2013 Strategic Policy Economics (Strapolec)

study that showed nuclear refurbishment and two

new reactors would reduce GHG emissions by 50

percent more or 108 million tonnes compared to

building more wind generation.

For over 40 years, nuclear technology has provided

Ontario with reliable and affordable, greenhouse

gas (GHG) emission-free electricity and today

makes up over half of the provinces supply.

This has helped give Ontario one of the lowest-

carbon electricity system footprints in the world.

Ontarios electricity exports to Quebec enable its

reservoirs to fill up to produce more hydropower

for sale to neighbouring fossil fuel dependent

states. With the potential for more climate change

related events like multi-year droughts, Ontarios

reliable 24/7 nuclear generation could play an

even more important role in the future and should

be leveraged in any negotiations.

Independent analyses show that Canadas nuclear

industry delivers significant economic benefits,

particularly to Ontario, which hosts the majority

of it. Overall benefits include: affordable,

abundant, low-GHG energy; 60,000 direct and

indirect jobs; 160 nuclear supply chain companies;

billions in tax revenues; one of our countrys

few high technology exports; and support for

nuclear medicine and materials research and

development at our universities and research

agencies. For example, Strapolec projected that

the planned investments in nuclear (including the

two new reactors at Darlington) instead of more

wind would contribute $60 billion to Ontarios

economy and 100,000 more person years of

employment while saving residential consumers a

comparative $38 billion savings in electricity costs.

Investing in Ontarios nuclear assets and expertise

offers additional opportunities in clean air and

climate change action planning. Using this clean

electricity to power Made-in-Ontario zero-

emission vehicles could benefit our provinces

400,000 job auto sector while reducing pollution

and GHG emissions from our transportation sector.

Our province could also export this reliable, low-

carbon electricity to help our neighbours reduce

their dependency on coal and shale gas.

Ontarios nuclear advantage offers a better

environment, more jobs and economic wealth

and greater energy security. All are critical

prerequisites in an increasingly carbon constrained

and competitive world.

Nuclear Energy Remains OntariosBest Option For the Long-Term

BYDONMACKINNON

President

Power Workers Union

FROM THE PEOPLE WHO HELP KEEP THE LIGHTS ON.

Ontarios

NuclearAdvantage:More Jobs,

a BetterEnvironmentand Greater

Energy SecurityThe planned mid-life refurbishment of Ontarios nuclear reactors will provide

low-cost, low carbon, 24/7 reliable electricity for decades to come.

Building new reactors to replace the 3,000-megawatt Pickering Nuclear

Station, scheduled to close in 2020, would deliver even more.

These investments offer greater benefits to Ontario than any other energy option:

Sustain Ontarios $6 billion a year, 60,000 job industry

100,000 more high value jobs

$60 billion more to Ontarios economy

Greater GHG emission reductions

Provide better energy security than relying on carbon-emitting U.S. shale

gas and climate-change vulnerable hydro imports

Support our auto sector by powering Made-in-Ontario zero-emission vehicles

Position Ontario as a low-carbon electricity exporter to our fossil fuel

dependent neighbours.

For more information please go to www.pwu.ca

think nuclear

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