On December 14th, 2009, the implementation of nuclear energy just got a little bit closer. The results of the Alberta nuclear consultation from the public unveiled yesterday were varied, revealing a fluctuation between a lack of education about nuclear energy and acceptance for energy generation that can provide clean, low-emission power.
The consultation included: an online and a mail-in questionnaire; randomly enrolled discussion groups; stakeholder discussion groups; and a telephone survey. Participants included 4,832 Albertans and a broad range of stakeholder groups. The Innovative Research Group Inc. gathered consultation results while the Government of Alberta managed the process. A copy of this report is available here: www.energy.alberta.ca.
Energy Minister Mel Knight explains the results of the consultation process. “Albertans have told us that we shouldn’t be closed to new generation technologies that could provide clean, low-emission power. At the same time Albertans have identified concerns with nuclear power that potential future applicants will need to fully address.”
On AM770 CHQR radio’s Dave Rutherford show December 15th, 2009, Mel Knight informed Albertans “There is a federal regulatory environment and process that occurs where the provincial government has a chance to be involved.” The 5 steps included in the process are: 1) Hearings relative to sites 2) Construction phase consultation 3) Operation of these units 4) Decommissioning 5) Abandonment at the end of operations. These 5 steps are covered in an application process that is lengthy and involves detailed consultation at the local level.
Knight also insists that environmental concerns will be met. No proposals have been put forth yet. There are only rumors that Bruce Power is interested however, there are 6 other companies globally wanting to develop nuclear power in North America. Knight clarified, “There is no moratorium of nuclear energy in Alberta.” However, he also admits that there is a strong polarization around this issue that needed to be understood so that’s why the survey was done.
The statistical findings were the following:
• 45% of Albertans favored that nuclear power plants be considered on a case-by-case basis
• 19% said the province should encourage the nuclear energy generation proposals
• 27% said the province should oppose the proposals
• 65% believe that the nuclear industry can build and operate plants safely.
As far as affordable green options 75% agreed, “We can have all the affordable electricity from renewable energy we need if we really try.” This firm stance was also expressed in random discussion groups and argued vehemently in environmental stakeholder groups. Health, environment, safety factors and nuclear waste were the paramount issues that Albertans wanted the government to consider in the evaluation of future power projects. There was a high percentage of 80% - 90% for these concerns.
The Federal Government of Canada has the primary responsibility for approving and regulating anything nuclear that includes facilities and activities. The province has a secondary responsibility and requires them to approve any energy project based on the constitutional responsibility for land and resources. Under Alberta’s electricity generation policy, the Alberta government doesn’t select the fuel or location of the plants. It is private sector companies that have to apply to build any generation facility but the problem is that the regulator was removed. (For an in-depth view of this issue, see article Bill 50 compromises the rights of all Albertans for the sake of corporate profit).
Energy Minister Mel Knight enforces this statement above by saying, “Alberta will maintain its existing policy where power generation options are proposed by the private sector in the province and considered on a case-by-case basis,” Knight added. “We will work with the federal government regarding any nuclear power application to ensure provincial rules and environmental standards are respected. Further, we will not invest public dollars in any nuclear power proposals.”
Back up for a moment and refer to the recent hurried approval of Bill 50 through the legislature that essentially removed the regulator from the decision making process. The convenient release of this consultation emerged right after Bill 50 was approved. It suggests the provincial government has agreed that nuclear energy operation will be allowed in Alberta but with a consultation process at the federal and provincial levels as stated above. Bruce Power responded in a Tiverton, Ontario Press Release stating they were “pleased that Alberta’s nuclear consultation process confirms the technology could play a role in the province’s future energy mix.”
Elena Schacherl, Founder of Calgary-based grassroots movement Citizens Advocating the Use of Sustainable Energy (CAUSE), and VP of the Coalition for a Nuclear Free Alberta, comments on these key findings. “In releasing the consultation report, the government chose to focus on the response that gave them the answer they wanted. The multi-faceted consultation process overall shows Albertans opposed to the development of nuclear power in the province. Of the over 3600 people that filled in the online workbook, 55% were opposed. About 75% of participants had serious concerns about the health impacts of nuclear power and the legacy of nuclear waste. We are extremely disappointed by the government's failure to listen to Albertans.”
Other very important findings were consultation, community, and industry impact of nuclear energy.
Consultation
Albertans wanted more education and consultation on the issue of nuclear energy as “fear of the unknown” was largely an issue. Also, “the need to have more voices heard, including environmental voices,” was a primary concern. First Nations and Métis expressed their desire for Nation-to-Nation consultations with respect to their Treaty or Aboriginal rights.
Community
The randomly recruited group participants and local government representatives wanted the planning and construction proposal to take into consideration plan for community impacts. These would include adequate support for communities to keep pace with infrastructure, housing, medical and social services needs. Most felt that they didn’t want a repeat of the “improperly planned growth” as seen in Fort McMurray with the oil sands project.
Industry Impact of Nuclear Energy
Both environmental and business stakeholders were concerned that the impact of a large baseload nuclear power plant would effectively dissuade the use of alternative energy options such as renewable energy and the ability of the system to manage electricity supply when nuclear goes offline or if maintenance were to occur.
Chris Hooymans, representative for Calgary, Central and Southern Alberta on behalf of the Coalition for a Nuclear Free Alberta suggests, “Implementation of a massive nuclear power plant will undermine the continued development of truly green energy solutions such as wind, solar and geothermal by saturating the grid with nuclear generated power. This nuclear move will effectively negate any need to accommodate additional green power inputs. Plus it means many less jobs for Albertans in a diversified energy sector in the long run and unwisely consolidates electric power production in too few hands. If this actually happens, I believe we can all look forward to higher prices for power as nuclear plants are incredibly expensive throughout their life cycle.”
Whether Albertans are for or against nuclear energy being implemented in their backyards, community discussion is needed. Voices from all sides should be heard in addition to what private corporations want. Town hall meetings with the media involved would be helpful to keep on top of the process. Education and communication are required for the sake of public scrutiny, as this may reveal aspects of nuclear energy that need investigation not normally be discussed. This communication process is important and necessary as it challenges corporate decisions and the status quo for the sake of public safety, making them far more transparent. At the end of the day one fact is certain; the pristine Province of Alberta will never be the same.
Links:
Alberta Energy: Alberta Nuclear Consultation, summary
http://www.energy.alberta.ca/Electricity/1781.asp
The following document has been posted to the Government of Alberta website to view this document online
http://www.alberta.ca//acn/200912/275218E7F1F68-B25C-81BE-9AF25F7ADE436D8A.html
Additional information / backgrounder
http://www.alberta.ca//acn/200912/275218E7F1F68-B25C-81BE-9AF25F7ADE436D8A.html#backgrounder
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