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THINK NUCLEAR
nuclearinnovations.ca
POWERING OUR LIVES
Ontario is home to the innovation that will help power Canadas
next generation with emission-free energy.
Featuring
OPPORTUNITY
FOR ALL
Careers for the
next generation
REFURBISHING
DARLINGTON
An investment
in Ontario
EXCELLENCE THROUGH
INNOVATION
How Canada is leading
research in nuclear medicine
P
H
O
T
O
:

C
A
M
E
C
O
DID YOU KNOW?
NUCLEAR POWER
HELPS AVOID
89 MILLION
TONNES OF CO
2
EMISSIONS IN
CANADA ANNUALLY
OR THE SAME
AMOUNT AS TAKING
81% OF CANADAS
CARS OFF THE
ROAD!
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2 NUCLEARINNOVATIONS.CA
CHALLENGES
Nuclear: The backbone of Ontarios
energy mix
R
eliable, emissions-
free and cost-effect-
ive, nuclear energy
not only powers our
economy but drives
it as well. It pro-
vides about half our generation
now and, as outlined in Achiev-
ing Balance, Ontarios Long-Term
Energy Plan,will continue to do so
well into the future.
As the largest producer of nucle-
ar electricity in Canada,Ontario has
been operating nuclear power safe-
ly and successfully for over 40 years.
Our nuclear sector supports an in-
novative manufacturing indus-
try and a highly-skilled work force
employing about 60,000 people in
plant operation and support,nucle-
ar refurbishment, and manufactur-
ing supply chain.
As a result, we have developed an
international reputation for safety
and excellence, known worldwide
for our technological innovation
and experience. Ontario-driven
technology,skills,and expertise are
already found in nuclear facilities
all around the world, and the World
Association of Nuclear Operators
has recognized us as having some
of the highest performing facilities.
With the Bruce Power site in Kin-
cardine, were also home to the lar-
gest operating nuclear generating
facility in the world.
From the state-of-the-art nucle-
ar equipment manufacturing fa-
cility at Babcock & Wilcox in Cam-
bridge, to the rst-of-its kind Dar-
lington Energy Complex home
to the most advanced mock-up and
tools for nuclear refurbishment
Ontario is well positioned to global-
ly market our unique skills, exper-
tise, and homegrown businesses.
We have experience in moderniz-
ing our sector and we know how to
keep it running smoothly and re-
liably. These are the kind of skills
that will serve us well in the inter-
national marketplace.
Looking forward
Last year, our government re-
af rmed our commitment to the
nuclear industry when we made the
refurbishment of the existing Bruce
and Darlington sites a key part of our
updated Long-Term Energy Plan.
Refurbishment means thousands
of megawatt hours of clean genera-
tion, and thousands of jobs and op-
portunities for Ontario workers
and businesses. It also means max-
imum value for ratepayers by post-
poning building new sources of
generation. Altogether, refurbish-
ment projects, nuclear plants oper-
ation, and support are expected to
create 25,000 jobs and inject $5 bil-
lion into our economy.
Nuclear power is and will con-
tinue to be an important part of our
economy and electricity system for
generations to come.As the industry
grows, we will continue to identify
and pursue opportunities to build,
innovate, and expand Ontarios nu-
clear sector doing it safely,respon-
sibly and with care.
Mediaplanets business is to create new
customers for our advertisers by providing
readers with high-quality editorial content
that motivates them to act.
Hon. Bob Chiarelli, MPP
MINISTER OF ENERGY
We have developed
an international
reputation for safety
and excellence,
known worldwide for
our technological
innovation and
experience.
The good news
is that Canadian
innovators are
nding solutions
that will ensure
that future isotope
shortages are averted
at home and abroad.
PREDICTING GROWTH
Atomic Energy of Canada
Limited in Chalk River, Ontario
is one of the provinces hubs
of nuclear energy innovation.
PHOTO: AECL
BOB CHIARELLI, MPP
editorial@mediaplanet.com
RON OBERTH
PRESIDENT, ORGANIZATION OF
CANADIAN NUCLEAR INDUSTRIES
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Ontario has positioned itself as a global hub of nuclear innovation
and expertise promising a safe and secure energy future for the province.
THINK NUCLEAR
FIRST EDITION, SEPTEMBER 2014
Publisher: Ian Solnick
Business Developer: Martin Kocandrle
Managing Director: Joshua Nagel
Production Manager: Laura Shaw
Lead Designer: Matthew Senra
Designer: Scott Dixon
Contributors: Hon. Bob Chiarelli,
Ted Davis, Duff McCourt, Ron Oberth,
Joe Rosengarten, Colleen Sidford
Send all inquiries to
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Distributed within:
The Toronto Star, September 2014
This section was created by Mediaplanet
and did not involve the Toronto Star or its
Editorial Departments.
Cover:
Canadas nuclear industry empowers
communities. A plant worker is pictured at
Camecos Port Hope facility.
Fact: CNA Factbook 2013
Saving lives:
Leaders in innovation
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Continued investment in
nuclear generation assets
will result in the best out-
come for Ontarios econ-
omy (up to 20 percent lower
electricity prices, 100,000
more jobs and $60 billion in
economic benefit) and the
environment (100,000 MT
fewer GHG emissions).
Ontarios 20 CANDU nuclear power
plants have provided cost-efective,re-
liable electricity to the Ontario grid for
more than 40 years.Nuclears share of
electrical energy supply has increased
to over 50 percent for the last 20 years.
The reliable, clean and low-cost elec-
tricity generated by these units has
helped to make Ontario the industrial
heartland of Canada.
The Canadian nuclear industry dir-
ectly employs almost 30,000 people
in Canada,with more than 22,000 of
these quality and sustainable jobs in
Ontario where nuclear compan-
ies,utilities and large manufacturers,
often form the economic and social
backbone of their host communities.
An eye on emissions
OCI,in collaboration with the Power
Workers Union, commissioned de-
tailed analysis in 2013 by Strategic
Policy Economics (Strapolec Inc.),
a respected energy and economic
consulting rm,that clearly demon-
strated that investment in Ontarios
nuclear generation capacity will de-
liver the greatest benet to Ontario
ratepayers and the economy, while
dramatically reducing future green-
house gas (GHG) emissions.
The study conrmed that focus-
ing Ontario power system invest-
ments into nuclear power genera-
tion assets will lead to lower electri-
city costs and greater investment in
Ontario delivering some $60 bil-
lion in greater direct benet to On-
tarios economy through lower-cost
electricity and greater spend in On-
tario. It will also provide a strong-
er Ontario economy that can aford
better health and social benets for
all Ontarians. This fact-based com-
parative analysis showed that con-
tinued reliance on nuclear genera-
tion as a key part of Ontarios elec-
tricity supply mix (versus a larger
wind/gas program) will generate
100,000 more quality jobs (many in
Ontarios declining but vital manu-
facturing sector), with almost
110,000,000 fewer tonnes of GHG
emissions over 20 years. Imposing
a carbon tax to electricity produced
by gas plants will widen the benets
gap in favour of the nuclear option.
Innovation through
competition
In addition to the Ontario econom-
ic benets outlined above,Ontarios
continued investment in nuclear
generation will enable Canadian
nuclear equipment manufactur-
ing and engineering companies
to more efectively compete in the
robust nuclear export market. On-
tario has a well-established and vi-
brant nuclear supply industry with
a track record spanning four dec-
ades dating back to the innova-
tive design, construction, and com-
missioning of the Pickering nucle-
ar power plant. Ontarios nuclear
industry is now poised for export
growth stimulated and encour-
aged by domestic projects.
The World Nuclear Association
states that there are 435 nuclear re-
actors operating or operable world-
wide, with 72 reactors under con-
struction, and a further 174 reactors
in various planning stages.Ontarios
nuclear supply chain is already act-
ively engaged in supplying to this
dynamic export market.In fact,OCI,
with support of Ontario and Federal
governments,has led successful nu-
clear trade missions to the United
Kingdom, United States, India, and
China over the last 18 months.OCI is
planning future nuclear trade mis-
sions to Argentina, Romania and
Korea over the next eight months.
Investments in reactor refurbish-
ments as well as in design and con-
struction of new reactors (with a
strong reliance on Ontario content)
will allow our home-based nucle-
ar suppliers to attract and develop
skilled resources, acquire advanced
manufacturing equipment,and to ex-
ploit these capabilities in these tar-
geted export markets.Ontario electri-
city supply decisions need to be taken
in the context of an overall indus-
trial strategy for the province.This is
a strategy that can be underpinned by
the proven track record of our nuclear
industry and validated by a well-docu-
mented, almost worldwide accept-
ance that nuclear energy has a key
role to play in our global ght against
the real risks of climate change.
Ontarios energy supply decisions
impact the health of Ontarios belea-
guered manufacturing sector. First-
ly, lower cost electricity will retain
and attract industry and manufac-
turing jobs to Ontario.It will also in-
crease household disposable income
and spending in our economy.
Secondly, investment in our nu-
clear reactor eet creates high value
jobs in Ontario by exploiting unique
and well established capabilities in
our existing nuclear industry al-
ternative supply options depend on
imported fuel (gas from Alberta and
the United States) and imported
equipment (wind turbine compon-
ents and solar panels from Europe
and China), creating jobs in other
provinces and counties.
A commitment to nuclear means real jobs
and tangible economic benets for Ontario
Investment in Ontarios nuclear generation
capacity will deliver the greatest benet to
Ontario ratepayers and the economy, while
dramatically reducing future greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions.
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NUCLEARINNOVATIONS.CA 3
T
he zero carbon emission
electricity thats generated
by Ontarios nuclear power
stations plays an integral role in
the provinces diverse energy mix.
But to remain operating at their
fullest potential, and to maximize
lifespan, the most technical and
important components of a nucle-
ar reactor require mid-life refur-
bishment, which usually occurs
when theyve been in operation
for between 25 and 30 years.
Benefits of refurbishment
Nuclear energy remains a vital
part of the solution to Ontarios
energy mix and nuclear refur-
bishments are an integral part of
that mix, explains Professor Ja-
tin Nathwani, Ontario Research
Chair in Public Policy for Sustain-
able Energy andExecutive Director,
Waterloo Institute for Sustainable
Energy (WISE) at the University
of Waterloo. In the context of the
global climate change challenge,
a pathway for a transition to an ef-
fective low-carbon energy future
will make it imperative for nuclear
to play an important role.
Not only does the expansion of
nuclear potential make the plan-
ning process for Ontarios electri-
city system more robust, it will al-
so deliver benets to future gen-
erations through a low-carbon
national energy system. Refur-
bishments have the potential to re-
invigorate Ontarios nuclear supply
chains, attract high-quality profes-
sionals, and stimulate strategic in-
vestment in a diverse sustainable
energy portfolio, says Nathwani.
Accounting for one-seventh of
the planets electricity generation,
nuclear energy is proven to deliv-
er low-carbon, low-cost base load
power on a large scale. Nuclear
in Ontario also has a strong safety
track record and has delivered enor-
mous environmental benefits,
Professor Nathwani says.
A sensible choice
For a nuclear reactor to even be con-
sidered for refurbishment, it needs
to hold an impeccable safety record
and a proven history of delivering
low cost power.
Signicant attention has to be
given to the cost question, says
Nathwani. Refurbishments must
pass the key test of delivering
value to customers through low
cost electricity.
Recognized as being one of the
top performing nuclear plants in
the world, the Darlington CANDU
plant is a sound choice for refur-
bishment. Darlington was re-
cently recognized by the nuclear
industry, for the second year in a
row, as a top performing plant in
the world. And Darlington has re-
ceived, for the fifth year in a row,
the Canadian Nuclear Safety Com-
missions (CNSC) highest safety
assessment finding of Fully Satis-
factory, explains Dietmar Rein-
er, Senior VP of Nuclear Projects
at OPG. For all of those reasons,
its a very good starting point for
refurbishment.
Meticulous planning
As part of the preparation process
for the refurbishment, OPG built
the Darlington Energy Complex, a
300,000 sq ft facility that is home to
a full-scale mock-up of the Darling-
ton reactor.The mock-up allows the
workforce to learn and then repeat-
edly rehearse their tasks in a con-
trolled,realistic environment that is
dimensionally accurate to the react-
ors in the station.
The full-scale mock up is some-
thing that is worth its weight in
gold, said Reiner. Its an import-
ant element for tooling as well be-
cause it gives us the opportunity to
ensure that the tools perform exact-
ly as designed.All sequences of work
required on the reactor will be tested
and ne tuned on the mock-up rst.
Developing expertise
The Darlington refurbishment is a
real opportunity to strengthen and
grow Ontarios expertise in nuclear
power. The concerted efort to con-
trol and manage costs of the project
will be directly reected in the af-
fordable energy prices that Darling-
ton will provide.
The refurbishment project will
provide Ontarians with clean
energy for a further 25 to 30 years,
but its not only of benet to cit-
izens, who pay less for nuclear
energy than other forms of power,
the environment benets massive-
ly, too. Its undoubted that nuclear
power will be a key energy source
going forward, as our planet at-
tempts to reduce its toxic relation-
ship with fossil fuels.
Nuclear power is a critical part of
the Ontario energy mix, says Rein-
er. We can produce large volumes
of power at low cost at Darlington.
Our goal is to deliver a successful-
ly refurbished Darlington station:
safely,to the quality that is required
in a nuclear environment, on time,
and on a fact-based budget.
Ontarios current nuclear refurbishment projects will help to power
the province with reliable, clean, and affordable energy for
decades to come.
NUCLEAR REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS PLAYING A
KEY ROLE IN SECURING ONTARIOS ENERGY FUTURE
JOE ROSENGARTEN
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Nuclear energy not only creates electricity.
It also creates jobs.
Ontario Power Generation is preparing to refurbish
the Darlington Nuclear station. This large scale
project will provide clean, low-cost and reliable
electricity to power Ontario homes, businesses,
hospitals and schools for decades to come.
It will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs
within Ontarios nuclear and skilled manufacturing
industries.
And thats the kind of energy people energy thats
important to all of us.
Project Engineer
ONTARIO POWER
THAT CREATES
JOBS NOW
AND FOR THE NEXT
GENERATION.
OP-3393_Nuclear_Jobs_E_1v6.indd 1 2014-09-12 12:03 PM
AN EYE FOR DETAIL
LEFT: An aerial view of Darlington
Nuclear Generating Station in
Clarington, Ontario.
RIGHT: The Darlington Energy Complex
houses the worlds first reactor mock-
up, which will allow staff to wear
protective equipment and perform full
work rehearsals.
PHOTOS: ONTARIO POWER GENERATION
I NSI GHT
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4 NUCLEARINNOVATIONS.CA
A wealth of opportunity
In an industry made up of a little
less than 20 percent women and a
workforce dominated primarily by
men who are reaching the end of
their careers, it is sometimes easy
for young women and other profes-
sionals to overlook the numerous
career options open to them in the
nuclear industry.Retirements and
loss of critical technical knowledge
means that there will be a huge gap
in the number of people who have
the skills and expertise to run the
nuclear power stations.
Women can ll that gap, but
we need to ensure that they are
obtaining the necessary train-
ing and technical skills. It is al-
so important for them to under-
stand that by building a career in
nuclear, they are helping to cre-
ate a clean, safe, reliable, low car-
bon base load source of power that
is an important part of Canadas
clean energy portfolio.
Strong leadership
The good news is that women cur-
rently working in the application
of radiation and nuclear technol-
ogy are making a vital contribu-
tion as leaders. They are devoting
a great deal of their volunteer time
working to provide an opportun-
ity for women to succeed in the in-
dustry through initiatives such as
mentoring, networking and per-
sonal development opportunities.
Women are strong opinion lead-
ers in our country and a womens
perspective has played a limited
role in the past in nuclear.It is im-
portant for our voice to be heard in
providing our public support of all
aspects of the nuclear industry.
M
ore than half of all electri-
city produced in Ontario
comes from nuclear power.
It keeps our lights on, it heats our
homes in the winter, it keeps our
food cold in the refrigerator, and it
even charges our green electric cars.
Though wind, solar, biomass, and
natural gas make up a growing por-
tion of the supply mix, the largest
share of baseload generation will,for
economic,environmental,and prac-
tical reasons,remain nuclear for the
foreseeable future.
Canadas nuclear industry is vital
to Canada, and especially Ontario,
says Preston Swaford, Chief Execu-
tive Of cer and President of Candu
Energy Inc. As a thriving industry,
we employ about 60,000 people in
well-paying, well-respected jobs.
These workers are employed in oper-
ation, maintenance, decommis-
sioning, and refurbishment of Can-
adas nuclear eet. But this direct
reliance is only one side of the coin
when discussing the importance of
nuclear power in Canada.
Canada: A natural nuclear
leader
Canada drives the cutting edge
of nuclear globally, with AECLs
(Atomic Energy of Canada Limit-
ed) research and Candu Energys
technology being both historic-
al and present-day world leaders.
Canadian-built reactors are used in
countries worldwide. As a result of
these exports and foreign contracts,
Canadas nuclear industry is much
larger than the demand for nuclear
power within Canada alone.
We are working very closely with
Argentine and Romanian utilities
now on potential new build pro-
jects, says Swaford. Either one of
those projects would potentially in-
ject several billion dollars directly
into the Canadian economy. Signi-
cantly,Canada is also the worlds lar-
gest producer of the uranium ores
which power these reactors, with
remaining reserves estimated to be
the third largest in the world after
only Australia and Kazakhstan.
The nuclear workforce:
More diverse than you
might think
Considering a career in the nuclear
industry is a solid decision for any
student in Canada, not just those in
science and engineering. We have
PhD scientists, weve got engineers
of almost every discipline,weve got
highly trained operating positions,
mechanical trade and construction
jobs, says Ron Oberth, President
Organization of Canadian Nuclear
Industries. Its a whole breadth of
roles, and those of course are sup-
ported by other roles like nance,
communications, human resources,
and many others.
With an aging workforce and ba-
by boomers retiring en masse, there
are opportunities for new workers in
all these elds.Oberth indicates that
some specialties are undergoing
particular growth as technology ad-
vances, including cybersecurity, in-
formation technology, and especial-
ly control system design. A pump
built now looks much like a pump
designed when the plants were
brought into service fty or sixty
years ago,but the new digital control
panels look very diferent from the
analog control plants used in the ori-
ginal designs, he explains.
A nuclear education
Unsurprisingly, there is a demand
for focused education in Nuclear En-
gineering, particularly at the gradu-
ate level.The University Network of
Excellence in Nuclear Engineering
(UNENE) is a non-prot dedicated to
ensuring that Canada remains the
world leader in both nuclear theory
and practise. As one of its primary
initiatives, UNENE supports and
funds nuclear research at univer-
sities across the country. The sup-
port of research in universities is a
key means of ensuring the availabil-
ity of highly qualied personnel for
the nuclear industry, says UNENE
President Basma Shalaby.
UNENE, along with its research
program,ofers a Masters Degree (M.
Eng) in Nuclear Engineering,in asso-
ciation with a number of accredited
universities in Ontario to foster in-
dustry excellence. Designed primar-
ily for professionals already work-
ing in the industry, the courses are
ofered on weekends and are avail-
able via telepresence technology for
those unable to attend class.Employ-
ers within the industry specically
recognize the benets of this degree
when lling positions.About 100 pro-
fessionals have graduated to date.
A rewarding and fulfilling
career
A career in the nuclear industry
may not be the rst that most young
people consider, but they are doing
themselves a disservice if they dont
consider it at all. Nuclear power is
vital to our day-to-day lives in On-
tario, it plays a key role in Canadas
greater economy, and it remains a
fascinating technology.
Its a very fullling career, Shal-
aby emphasizes. If you survey
people who have worked in the nu-
clear industry, adds Oberth, you
will nd that very few leave the in-
dustry early. In fact many people
stay on and work past their usual
retirement age because they really
love what they do.
Its hard to nd a job with a strong-
er endorsement than that.
DONT MISS
A vital role
COLLEEN SIDFORD
editorial@mediaplanet.com
D.F. MCCOURT
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Powerful nuclear education and career
opportunities for the next generation
Colleen Sidford,
PRESIDENT,
WOMEN IN
NUCLEAR (WiN)
CANADA
AN INDUSTRY ON THE RISE
Canadas nuclear energy sector is
at the forefront of global energy
innovation and execution har-
nessing viable energy possibilities
for now, and for decades to come.
With more than 60,000 direct and
indirect jobs in the Ontario nucle-
ar industry alone, the prospects
for young professionals looking
to make their mark as pioneers in
Canadas clean energy legacy are
abundant.
The onslaught of widespread baby
boomer retirement, and the evolv-
ing need for critical technical know-
ledge in the nuclear eld, means
great breaks in career advance-
ment for todays newly emerging,
tech-savvy generation of men and
women. Simply put, in the global tri-
fecta of technology, environmental
sustainability, and job security, nu-
clear shines bright for our future.
With an aging workforce and baby
boomers retiring en masse, there are
opportunities for new workers in all
these elds.
From construction, to nance and marketing, to nuclear engineering and
beyond, Canadas nuclear industries offer options for all.
www.candu.com
DEEP RIVER SCIENCE ACADEMY
Engaging and committing young
Canadians to safe and well-paying
careers in our nuclear industries is vital.
PHOTO: AECL
PHOTO: ONTARIO POWER GENERATION
editorial@mediaplanet.com
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Creating
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Isotopes for Science, Medicine and Business
Canadas national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics | www.triumf.ca
T
he nuclear medicine eld in
Canada will face new chal-
lenges when production of
the technetium-99m isotope used
around the world to diagnose ail-
ments from cancer to heart disease
is slated to stop in 2016 at the Na-
tional Research Universal Reactor in
Chalk River,Ontario.
But researchers across the coun-
try have embraced this change as
an opportunity to devise and de-
velop replacement technologies,
and are condent that their solu-
tions will be equal to or even better
than the technetium-99m from the
Chalk River reactor.
In the late 2000s, the world-
wide medical community was
in the grips of an isotope crisis
when two of the largest produ-
cers of technetium-99m (Tc-99m)
were temporarily sidelined with
technical problems. Tc-99m is the
worlds most widely used isotope,
employed millions of times per
year to image, for example, heart
disease after heart attacks.
One of the producers is the NRU
reactor at Chalk River, which has
typically been producing 40 to 50
percent (and up to 80 percent) of the
worlds supply of the isotope molyb-
denum-99 (Mo-99), the precursor to
Tc-99m. When the NRU stops pro-
duction after 57 years of operation,it
will efectively end the current sup-
ply of Tc-99m in Canada. Thats the
bad news.
The good news is that Can-
adian innovators are finding solu-
tions that will ensure that future
isotope shortages are averted at
home and abroad.
New cyclotron for medical
imaging in Saskatchewan
Situated at the University of Sas-
katchewan,the Sylvia Fedoruk Can-
adian Centre for Nuclear Innova-
tion is named for one of the na-
tions nuclear medicine trailblaz-
ers. It will operate the provinces
rst medical cyclotron accelerator
and radioisotope laboratory, now
under construction. This machine
will produce radioactive isotopes
for use in imaging procedures, in-
cluding diagnosing cancers. Con-
struction of the cyclotron will be
nished at the end of October and
will start operating next year.It will
be able to produce a variety of med-
ical isotopes applicable to nuclear
medicine, including an agent for
PET-CT imaging at Saskatoons Roy-
al University Hospital for the diag-
nosis of cancer and other diseases.
Our expectation is that re-
searchers in Canada will soon de-
velop alternatives to technetium-
99m for medical imaging, and that
these will work as well or even bet-
ter, says Fedoruk Centre Executive
Director Neil Alexander.
New medical isotopes and im-
aging techniques can replace trad-
itional Tc-99m procedures, but Tc-
99ms status as the worlds work-
horse isotope remains. There is
really nothing that can replace it,
says Dr. Jean-Luc Urbain, President
of the Canadian Association of Nu-
clear Medicine (CANM). The world
has realized that the NRU is going
of ine, and is looking for a replace-
ment strategy.
So the federal government has
funded three initiatives to ensure a
domestic supply of Tc-99m from al-
ternative sources post 2016.
B.C. innovation to address
shortage of isotopes
One initiative in B.C. is working
hard to develop a non-reactor-
based, made-in-Canada solution
to produce Tc-99m. Researchers at
TRIUMF lead this team; a national
laboratory for particle and nuclear
physics located in Vancouver. For
over 50 years, isotopes have been
a mainstay of nuclear medicine,
said TRIUMF Director Dr. Jonathan
A. Bagger. At TRIUMF, we are using
accelerators to produce known iso-
topes and to create new ones for
use in diagnostics and therapeutics
here and around the world.
Across the country, hospitals and
universities use a number of cyclo-
tron accelerators. Regional infra-
structure investments, such as the
new cyclotron at the Fedoruk Centre,
represent why Canada has one of the
worlds most advanced cyclotron in-
stall-bases. Canada is thus uniquely
positioned to pursue this alternative
production route for Tc-99m.
TRIUMF and its partners are
developing next-generation tech-
nology that will allow commun-
ities across Canada to produce
locally sourced medical isotopes,
including Tc-99m, said Dr. Bag-
ger. This will improve the secur-
ity of Canadas isotope supply and
ensure a reliable source of iso-
topes for all Canadians.
Cyclotron production of Tc-99m
has several advantages over reactor-
produced Tc-99m,including produc-
tion without a nuclear reactor,with-
out enriched uranium, and without
long-lived radioactive waste. Other
teams in Canada are pursuing sim-
ilar projects with other production
means, further demonstrating Can-
adian innovation in action. When it
comes to Tc-99m, Canada continues
to lead the way.
CANADIAN INNOVATORS ON
TRACK TO SOLVE ISOTOPE SHORTAGE
NUCLEAR ENERGY IN CANADA
SOURCE: CNA FACTBOOK 2013
TED DAVIS
editorial@mediaplanet.com
TRIUMF and its partners are developing next-
generation technology that will allow com-
munities across Canada to produce locally
sourced medical isotopes.
The two most important medical
applications of nuclear technology are
medical imaging for research and diagnosis,
and radiotherapy for cancer treatment.
Radioisotopes (a.k.a. medical isotopes or
radionuclides) can be used to diagnose a
range of diseases, including cardiovascular
diseases and most types of cancer.
Radioisotopes are produced in nuclear
reactors, as well as by other devices called
cyclotrons.
Canada is a leading producer of
radioisotopes, providing about 20-30
percent of global supply.
ADVANCING MEDICINE
Construction crews hoist a new
cyclotron into the Fedoruk Institute for
Nuclear Innovations state-of-the-art
facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
PHOTO: FEDORUK INSTITUTE FOR NUCLEAR
INNOVATION
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
6 NUCLEARINNOVATIONS.CA
Todays decision makers share a common
challenge: to provide low-carbon, reliable,
affordable electricity; to create jobs and economic
wealth; and, to address climate change. Nuclear is
Ontarios best energy option for achieving success.
The planned mid-life refurbishment of six nuclear
units at Bruce Power and four at Ontario Power
Generations (OPG) Darlington site is good news.
Almost 50 percent of Ontarios electricity supply
will be renewed for the next 30 years at very
reasonable rates while producing no greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions. Both companies will be
subject to enhanced oversight because of the
extraordinary importance of these projects.
Ontario has deferred building two new reactors
planned for Darlington. Ontarios energy planners
point to the temporary electricity surplus as a
reason to delay these nuclear investments. The
province should not be lulled into complacency
about future electricity needs by this short-term
situation. Less than a decade ago Ontarians faced
significant power shortages. In fact, it was the
global recession that caused the biggest reduction
in provincial power demand, not conservation. A
growing population, increased economic growth
and the electrification of transportation could
change the equation in short order. As well,
the scheduled closure of the Pickering Nuclear
Generating Station in 2020 means losing 3,000
megawatts of GHG emission-free electricity.
Ontarios commercially viable hydroelectric
potential is limited. Intermittent wind and solar
generation dont emit GHGs, but because they
dont produce electricity for more than 70
percent of the time, they require back up from
GHG-emitting, fossil fuel generation. Based on
a full life-cycle analysis, natural gas generation
emits 469 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent
per kilowatt-hour compared to 16 grams for
nuclear power. This difference was underscored
in a 2013 Strategic Policy Economics (Strapolec)
study that showed nuclear refurbishment and two
new reactors would reduce GHG emissions by 50
percent more or 108 million tonnes compared to
building more wind generation.
For over 40 years, nuclear technology has provided
Ontario with reliable and affordable, greenhouse
gas (GHG) emission-free electricity and today
makes up over half of the provinces supply.
This has helped give Ontario one of the lowest-
carbon electricity system footprints in the world.
Ontarios electricity exports to Quebec enable its
reservoirs to fill up to produce more hydropower
for sale to neighbouring fossil fuel dependent
states. With the potential for more climate change
related events like multi-year droughts, Ontarios
reliable 24/7 nuclear generation could play an
even more important role in the future and should
be leveraged in any negotiations.
Independent analyses show that Canadas nuclear
industry delivers significant economic benefits,
particularly to Ontario, which hosts the majority
of it. Overall benefits include: affordable,
abundant, low-GHG energy; 60,000 direct and
indirect jobs; 160 nuclear supply chain companies;
billions in tax revenues; one of our countrys
few high technology exports; and support for
nuclear medicine and materials research and
development at our universities and research
agencies. For example, Strapolec projected that
the planned investments in nuclear (including the
two new reactors at Darlington) instead of more
wind would contribute $60 billion to Ontarios
economy and 100,000 more person years of
employment while saving residential consumers a
comparative $38 billion savings in electricity costs.
Investing in Ontarios nuclear assets and expertise
offers additional opportunities in clean air and
climate change action planning. Using this clean
electricity to power Made-in-Ontario zero-
emission vehicles could benefit our provinces
400,000 job auto sector while reducing pollution
and GHG emissions from our transportation sector.
Our province could also export this reliable, low-
carbon electricity to help our neighbours reduce
their dependency on coal and shale gas.
Ontarios nuclear advantage offers a better
environment, more jobs and economic wealth
and greater energy security. All are critical
prerequisites in an increasingly carbon constrained
and competitive world.
Nuclear Energy Remains Ontarios
Best Option For the Long-Term
BY DON MACKINNON
President
Power Workers Union
FROM THE PEOPLE WHO HELP KEEP THE LIGHTS ON.
Ontarios
Nuclear
Advantage:
More Jobs,
a Better
Environment
and Greater
Energy Security
The planned mid-life refurbishment of Ontarios nuclear reactors will provide
low-cost, low carbon, 24/7 reliable electricity for decades to come.
Building new reactors to replace the 3,000-megawatt Pickering Nuclear
Station, scheduled to close in 2020, would deliver even more.
These investments offer greater benets to Ontario than any other energy option:
Sustain Ontarios $6 billion a year, 60,000 job industry
100,000 more high value jobs
$60 billion more to Ontarios economy
Greater GHG emission reductions
Provide better energy security than relying on carbon-emitting U.S. shale
gas and climate-change vulnerable hydro imports
Support our auto sector by powering Made-in-Ontario zero-emission vehicles
Position Ontario as a low-carbon electricity exporter to our fossil fuel
dependent neighbours.
For more information please go to www.pwu.ca