14 Mar (NucNet): Canada’s Bruce Power completed its purchase of Energy Alberta Corporation on 13 March 2008 and filed an application on the same day to prepare for potential construction of the first nuclear power plant in the west of the country.
Bruce Power, on behalf of Bruce Power Alberta, signed a letter of intent in November 2007 to acquire Energy Alberta.
Now Bruce Power Alberta has told the Canadian Nuclear Regulatory Commission (CNSC) that it is considering building up to four reactor units with a combined electric generating capacity of 4,000 megawatts (MW) in Alberta’s Peace River district.
The utility said the first unit could be ready as early as 2017, subject to the successful completion of a full Environmental Assessment (EA) and consultations with communities. However, the utility said that “at this early stage in the planning process”, it has not chosen a specific reactor design for the site. Instead, it will consider the potential impact associated with several leading Generation III designs.
Energy Alberta had planned to build two twin-unit plants using Atomic Energy of Canada’s (AECL) advanced Candu design.
Bruce Power Alberta will acquire exclusive rights to use Candu technology in Alberta as part of the assets purchase.
The utility said electricity consumption in Alberta has grown by 29 per cent since 2000 with an average growth of 3.2 per cent each year for the last five years. The Alberta Electric System Operator estimates an additional 11,500 MW of supply will be required by 2027.
– Compiled by John Shepherd
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
Application Filed For Four New Canadian Units (News in Brief No. 21, 28 August 2007)
Canada’s Bruce Power Reports Strong Performance (World Nuclear Review No. 8, 22 February 2008)
