For the first time since 2005, Ontario announces a new desire for energy and intends a sustainable solution, the government states. Strong economic and population growth sparked the need for more prolific nuclear energy sources. Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) currently supports the province with 42,000 MW, but to satisfy demand the IESO must produce about 88,000 MW by 2050. It’s estimated that 17,800 MW is required for the production of nuclear plants and energy sources alone. 

Bruce Power – Ontario’s largest and first private nuclear electricity plant – works simultaneously with IESO to export energy at a flat rate. Construction of the nuclear power plant “Bruce C” is underway and expected to provide clean energy to Bruce County within the next decade. The Minister of Energy of Ontario, Todd Smith, reports the government’s trust and excitement in expanding nuclear energy in the province. With the completion of three more Bruce Power plants, Ontario plans to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

Bruce Power already produces over 30% of nuclear electricity for Ontario and early planning sheds hope for clean energy in the near future. President and CEO Mike Renchek is “ready to play an integral role” in providing the province with clean energy in addition to well-paid jobs and a safe work environment. The growth of nuclear energy will come through new energy plants and furbishing the dated equipment. Bruce Power also reports that the pre-development of nuclear facilities will minimize rates for the citizens of the province. 

The newly-introduced ADVANCE Act (“Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy”) builds on recent bipartisan efforts to ensure the new and continued use of nuclear energy. The bill, if signed into law, would mark a step forward in laying the groundwork for the fast deployment of a new generation of advanced nuclear reactors—reactors the world urgently needs if it is to meet its climate goals while ensuring sufficient, reliable energy for all.

The ADVANCE Act recognizes the immense potential of using old coal plant sites for new nuclear facilities. It requires the NRC to “develop and implement strategies to enable timely licensing reviews for, and to support the oversight of, production facilities or utilization facilities at brownfield sites, including retired fossil fuel sites” within two years of enactment. This will benefit smaller companies that are trying to create nuclear energy reactors and expedite the process as a whole. The advance act will be an express ticket to clean energy for our future and reduce the burden of costs on those aiming to grasp clean energy as a widespread source of energy.