The Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, does not close the door to nuclear energy, and specifies that in a context of energy transition, all renewable energy sources must be studied.
Closing the door to nuclear “would be irresponsible”, but projects for new energy sources must be “socially acceptable and economically profitable”, Minister Fitzgibbon said on the sidelines of a press conference Monday morning in Montreal.
Hydro-Quebec is assessing the current state of the Gentilly-2 generating station, which was closed in 2012, in order “to inform its reflections on Quebec’s future energy supply”. This news, first reported by Le Journal de Montréal last week, has created strong reactions from experts who believe that nuclear power would not be the preferred solution in Quebec.
But Minister Fitzgibbon insisted on providing details on the intentions of the Crown corporation.
Hydro-Quebec’s new CEO, Michael Sabia, is currently “looking at the imbalance” between energy supply and demand in Quebec, “and he says to himself that we have to look at the energy sources available, which includes nuclear, but we are far from having decided, no decision has been made, neither by Hydro-Québec, nor by the government, “said the minister.
The decision on nuclear “may be in a year or two, or three years, or never”, and “socially, if we ever go nuclear, there is communication work to be done”, acknowledged Pierre Fitzgibbon .
“Mr. Sabia asked, ‘is it possible to see if there are things we can do for Gentilly 2 on the site’, but we’re not talking about putting CANDU reactors from the 60s At this time, experts will look to see if there are any possibilities. »
On the sidelines of the press conference, Minister Fitzgibbon made more than one reference to small modular reactors (SMRs), which is a nuclear reactor facility usually smaller than a traditional nuclear power plant.
“Since CANDU, 60 years have passed, so are there new technologies? he asked, adding “there are 77 SMRs in the world in development, but none in operation, so it’s premature to conclude that we can go nuclear.” at reasonable costs and for environmental purposes where people will be comfortable”.
However, the government will closely monitor the development of these new nuclear power generation technologies.
“It takes more renewable energy if we want increased industrial development in Quebec. The question is going to be: at what price can we create new renewable energy and is that price acceptable to businesses? “, supported the minister.
According to Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon, three elements are necessary for the success of the energy transition.
He is of the opinion that we must “increase the supply of socially acceptable and economically profitable renewable energy” and that Quebecers must review “the way they consume” energy, especially when they travel.
The Minister of the Economy clarified that there should be “half as many cars” and that these should be electric.
“Thirdly,” the minister said, “we need to capture the carbon that already exists, in the sea or in the sky, and sequester it.”
