SMRs Should Not Be Included In Port Of Belledune’s Green Energy Hub

Attention News Editors: The Conservation Council of New Brunswick’s Director of Climate Solutions, Dr. Louise Comeau, issued the following statement today with respect to the Belledune Port Authority’s announcement that its expansion and energy transition plans may include small modular nuclear reactors. She is available for comment.

“We are disappointed that the Port of Belledune is considering a place for unproven small modular nuclear reactor technology in its future Green Energy Hub.

While we applauded the Port’s recently-announced move toward a clean energy portfolio and support its transition toward a Green Energy Hub, today’s announcement of potential SMRs in such a hub is a step in the wrong direction that we do not support.

SMRs are not ecologically responsible. They will still produce dangerous radioactive waste and they are not a practical solution to climate change—even SMR proponents admit the technology won’t be ready in time to make the global carbon emission reductions scientists say we must make in the next decade to avoid catastrophic climate change effects and extreme weather. 

SMRs are not financially responsible. The technology is not only risky and unproven, but proven technologies like wind and solar are now the most affordable forms of electricity on Earth. Renewables are the most cost-effective way to meet our climate action goals while keeping energy affordable and reliable for citizens.

We urge the Port of Belledune to reconsider SMRs at its Green Energy Hub. We also urge the port to involve residents of the community in decisions around what type of projects will be developed in their neighbourhood. Recent research from the Conservation Council shows that energy projects are most successful when local communities are engaged in the process and share in the burdens and benefits of developments.

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To arrange an interview, contact:

Jon MacNeill, Communications Director | jon.macneill@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.238.3539

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