Oilsands turn to nuclear

[Two Canadian energy executives — one the head of Alberta’s largest power generation firm — say nuclear power must be considered as a key part of North America’s electrical energy future.

Moreover, Bruce Power LP president/CEO Duncan Hawthorne said political and economic conditions, as well as business sentiment in Alberta are moving in favour of nuclear to serve the province’s growing needs, particularly in the oilsands.
“Some of the key players in the oilsands are at least interested in finding out about more,” said Hawthorne. “There’s a real interest because people believe we can’t keep doing what we’re currently doing. It’s economically not the best way to leverage oilsands, (and) it’s environmentally not going to be sustainable in the long term.”

Hawthorne said nuclear’s attractiveness is rising as the oil and gas industry looks for solutions to its growing needs for inexpensive and reliable electricity, as well as massive amounts of steam for oilsands development.

Vancouver Sun