Nuclear in Alberta: Our very own monorail

According to Shawn McCarthy at the Globe and Mail, as far as nuclear power in Alberta is concerned:

1. We don't need it
2. It's cost prohibitive
3. To sell it, the Bruce Power needs to  "create a buzz" around the concept of a nuclear renaissance

I have been against nuclear energy in Alberta since Energy Alberta Corp was poking around Whitecourt and Peace River last summer. I'm even more against it now that Bruce Power (which bought out EAC) wants to build four nuclear reactors rather than two. Even if the generation of tons of toxic waste doesn't bother you, the economic arguments against  nuclear in this province (and elsewhere) should be enough to convince anyone that Alberta doesn't need nuclear energy.  I hope the provincial government will not subsidize the development of this industry and Albertans will avoid being duped into building something we don't need.

Comments

[ch]

The most telling quote from that story:

"Greg Stringham, a vice-president with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said he doesn't see much demand for nuclear-generated power from oil sands producers, which are net producers of electricity.

'They are mostly driven by their steam requirements, which means they end up normally for most of the projects generating an excess amount of power,' Mr. Stringham said."

If oilsands producers don't want/need nuclear, why are we having this debate?

[Theresa]

Why are you so against it?
Nucular Power has been around for years, and if you actually talk to people whom live near them, work in them, they are all fine with it.

Perhaps more people wouldn't be so scared if it was called "Alternative Power" And take the word "Nuclear" out of the phrase.

[eh]

Theresa,

Perhaps I should be more clear. I'm against nuclear in Alberta because I don't see the sense in building four nuclear reactors when there is no demand for this additional energy. The only reason nuclear has been around for years in other places (like Ontario) and the only reason it is remotely feasible, is because it is one of the most heavily subsidized industries in this country. Why should federal or provincial tax dollars be spent to build something we don't need?