Taking action in support of our vital natural resource sector

Did you know that Canada sources about 82 per cent of its electricity supply from non-emitting sources? Around 60 per cent of that power generation is hydroelectric, while nuclear power in Canada generates about 15 per cent. The remaining 7 per cent is made up of other non-hydro renewables such as wind, solar and biofuels.

Nuclear power is a critical part of our country’s energy mix. Not many are that familiar with Canada’s nuclear energy industry, which accounted for about 4 per cent of global nuclear power production in 2019 (sixth globally) in a country that has roughly half a per cent of the world’s population.

Luckily, Canada is also home to some of the world’s largest and highest-quality uranium reserves. Those familiar with nuclear power will know uranium is a key material in the production of this clean, high-intensity and long-term energy source.

Want to learn more about nuclear power in Canada? Here are 20 interesting facts on the Canadian nuclear industry that should bring you up to speed on one of the most important sources of electricity in our country. Also see:

• Uranium Mining in Canada: 15 Interesting Facts

Canadian Nuclear Power Facts

#1 – Canada is home to 19 reactors, with 18 found in Ontario and 1 in New Brunswick ^[4]

#2 – Nuclear energy accounts for 15% of Canada’s total electricity demand and is the second-largest contributor of non-emitting electricity in the country (2019) ^[1]

#3 – In Ontario specifically – Canada’s largest province by population and home to the country’s capital – nuclear power accounts for nearly 60% of provincial electricity demand (2019) ^[1]

#4 – In New Brunswick, 37% of the province’s total electricity supply is provided by the Point Lepreau nuclear plant (2019) ^[2]

#5 – Of nuclear power capable nations, Canada ranks sixth globally for nuclear power generation with about 4% of production seen worldwide (2019) ^[1]

#6 – Based on installed capacity, Ontario’s Bruce Power Nuclear Generating Station is amongst the largest nuclear power plants in the world ^[1]

#7 – Canada’s nuclear industry contributes $17 billion to the Canadian economy every year ^[2]

#8 –  The nuclear sector supports 33,000 direct jobs and 43,000 indirect jobs across the country, supporting 76,000 jobs in Canada ^[2]

#9 – There are currently six nuclear power stations in Canada, which have a combined capacity of more than 14,000 megawatts (MW) ^[3]

#10 – Canada’s nuclear power sector is supported by a robust chain of more than 240 companies, including 200 SMEs and an R&D network of laboratories and universities ^[2]

#11 – Ontario’s decision to spend $26 billion over 15 years to extend the lifetime of nuclear units at Darlington and Bruce Stations are some of the largest ongoing infrastructure/clean energy projects in the country ^[2][4]

#12 – Canada is the second largest producer of uranium in the world (2019) ^[2]

#13 – Approximately 13% of the world’s uranium – a key material used in nuclear power generation – is mined and milled in Northern Saskatchewan (2019) ^[2]

#14 – Approximately 75% of Canada’s uranium production is exported for use in nuclear power generation throughout the world (2019) ^[3]

#15 – The uranium mining industry is the largest private employer of Indigenous people in Saskatchewan ^[2]

#16 – Nuclear electricity in Canada displaces about 50 million tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually ^[2]

#17 – electricity produced using Canadian uranium offsets more than 300 million tonnes of GHG emissions each year ^[2]

#18 – Canada’s self-developed nuclear reactor technology called CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium) makes it one of roughly half a dozen countries that offer domestically designed reactors to the open commercial market ^[1]

#19 – Today, there are 27 CANDU reactors in seven countries, in addition to 17 CANDU derivative reactors in India. Export sales of 12 CANDU units have been made to South Korea (4), Romania (2), India (2), Pakistan (1), Argentina (1) and China (2), along with the engineering expertise to build and operate them. ^[4]

#20 – Canadian-developed CANDU reactor technology operates on four continents, representing 5% of the world’s nuclear capacity ^[2]

#21 – Canada is home to a strong nuclear science and technology presence: five research reactors and fusion technologies support research and development, and produce isotopes for medical and industrial applications, including more than 50% of the world’s supply of Cobalt-60 used to sterilize medical equipment around the globe ^[2]

#22 – Canada is currently exploring the use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the next wave of Canadian nuclear innovation which offers smaller, simpler and more affordable power generation ^[2]

#23 – Canada is well-positioned to lead and capture a share of the emerging global market for SMRs, expected to exceed $150 to $300 billion annually by 2040 due to its competitive advantages ^[2]

#24 – Under Canada’s nuclear non-proliferation policy, Canadian uranium can be used only for peaceful purposes ^[3]

#25 – Canada had plans to expand its nuclear capacity over the next decade by building two more new reactors, but these have been deferred ^[4]

#26 - SMR technology is being explored by Canada’s oil sands producers as part of their commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050 ^[5]

Canadian Nuclear Energy is Clean, Safe and Reliable

Nuclear energy in Canada is without a doubt an important part of our country’s energy mix. Next to hydropower, it is the largest source of low-carbon electricity globally and is one of the cleanest generating technologies available to date.

Canadians across the country should be proud of our accomplishments in nuclear technology and research. We should also be enthusiastic about our incredible safety record with zero fatalities from radiation exposure at power plants or waste facilities in over 50 years of using the technology for electricity generation.

Nuclear power stations also work day in and day out, seven days a week. They provide clean, safe, and reliable electricity year-round. The potential development of small modular reactors in provinces like Ontario, Alberta and Quebec will not only act to lower emissions, but also bring about tangible economic benefits for local communities and generate revenues for various levels of government.

The world’s current energy crisis is seeing a revival of nuclear power generation abroad. Canada has an incredible opportunity to export its energy know-how to our closest allies and trade partners as they seek long-term and reliable power sources for decades to come.

We support clean technology like nuclear power in Canada for all the aforementioned reasons, and so should you!

Join Us Today!

Join us on social media for a balanced, fact-based and non-partisan discussion around Canadian energy and the growing role it can – and should – play on domestic and international markets today! We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Canada's next-generation nuclear power plans currently hinge on fuel from Russia

Government documents indicate industry needs to find alternate sources of enriched uranium required for reactors.

Let’s get to it. https://t.co/dmsDBfxiBM

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) November 1, 2022

SOURCES:

_{1 – Natural Resources Canada – Energy Fact Book 2021/22, Date Accessed: October 2022 (}

_{2 – Natural Resources Canada – Nuclear in Canada Infographic, Date Accessed: October 2022 (}

_{3 – Government of Canada – Uranium and nuclear power facts, Date Accessed: October 2022 (https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/minerals-mining/minerals-metals-facts/uranium-and-nuclear-power-facts/20070)}

_{4 – World Nuclear Association – Nuclear Power in Canada, Date Accessed: October 2022 (https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-a-f/canada-nuclear-power.aspx)}

_{5 - Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero Alliance, Date Accessed: October 2022 (https://pathwaysalliance.ca/)}