Local Journalism Initiative
Nuclear a source of clean energy, waste still a problem to be solved
Ontario needs clean energy and while nuclear power is a source of clean energy, it remains a divisive issue. Currently, nuclear provides 60 percent of our electricity, followed by hydro at 26 percent, with wind, natural gas, solar, biomass and petroleum making up the balance. From a greenhouse (GHG) and air quality perspective, nuclear power is very clean. Once construction is complete nuclear is a zero-emission technology. The Province of Ontario has committed to reducing emissions to 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, a target that aligns with Canada’s Paris Agreement commitment. Ontario’s GHG emissions have declined 12 percent since 1990 and are the second lowest in Canada. Transportation, industry and buildings are the largest emitting sectors. Ontario’s electricity sector…
