Dispelling myths on nuclear power

Letter writer Tim Nickel (May 17) repeats some popularly held myths about nuclear power that the Canadian Nuclear Society, a neutral, independent, learned society would like to correct.

He claims that nuclear power is “not as safe as renewable energy” and that it is “undoubtedly the most deadly long-term solution to our climate woes.”

Data actually show that nuclear power, including historic accidents and the mining and production of the fuel, causes less loss of life than the renewables he supports. Information on this is readily available and we encourage people to confirm this for themselves.

He claims nuclear power is not as cheap as renewables. This is true when considered in isolation, but unlike intermittent renewables, nuclear power can be called on whenever it is needed and does not require the backup technology, which adds to the consumer price. All things considered, nuclear power is expected to be competitive and that is why Saskatchewan is interested in it.

Finally, he suggests nuclear power will not create jobs because it uses foreign technology and will only benefit big companies. This is possibly a reference to General Electric, the company planning to build a small grid-scale reactor in Ontario.

GE is also the world's largest supplier of the wind turbines Mr. Nickel supports, making his argument about large foreign companies somewhat moot.

Unlike renewables, a nuclear reactor would not only create jobs during its construction, but would sustain significant numbers of well-paid, sustainable jobs throughout its life, benefiting individuals and small local businesses.

Neil Alexander, communications director, Canadian Nuclear Society, Ontario