SMRs: It's still “NO NUKES IN SASKATCHEWAN!”

SMRs: It's still “NO NUKES IN SASKATCHEWAN!”

Postby Oscar » Mon Mar 19, 2018 10:51 am

SMRs: It's still “NO NUKES IN SASKATCHEWAN!”

Published in the Wadena News February 26, 2018 - Page 4

Since learning last year about the $1.1 million case study of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) being conducted at both of Saskatchewan's universities, the industry has been very active in pushing this 'new' technology forward.

We know that Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has been working with Sask Power to explore a 'pan-Canadian approach' to the development of a 'fleet of small modular reactors' (SMRs) for coal-dependent provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Or, to produce the Very Small Modular Reactor (VSMR) suitable to provide electricity to 'far-flung mining operations and remote communities currently dependent on diesel generators in northern Ontario, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut'. Apparently, the industry is concerned with having to deal with multiple First Nations, local governments and environmental institutions, especially the two new federal departments recently put in place to protect Indigenous relations!

All to meet the demand for 'clean electricity' as Canada attempts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

However, nothing about Small or Very Small (nuclear) Modular Reactors is clean, sustainable or cheap! Inevitably, taxpayers will be on the hook for the billions needed to realize this pipe dream of a 'fleet' of them scattered across the country which, while being transported on a flat-deck covered with a tarp - look just like a dumpster - quickly and easily installed (underground or in a large storage building) on site!

But, the most sinister aspect remains: there is yet no safe, permanent method of disposal and storage of the radioactive nuclear waste, regardless of their size; these nuclear reactors will continue to produce lethal material to be stored under- or above-ground, leaking into our air and drinking water, emitting radioactivity for hundreds of thousands – even millions – of years!

Does Saskatchewan's new Premier have the courage and wisdom to put this archaic 'technology' to rest once and for all, say “No Nukes in Saskatchewan!” and put our money into developing truly safe, clean and sustainable renewable 21st century energy?

Or, is that also a pipe dream?


Elaine Hughes, Chair
Quill Plains (Wynyard) Chapter
Council of Canadians
ARCHERWILL, SK
Oscar
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