Nuclear power had its chance, let's turn the page.
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 7:49 amNuclear power had its chance, let's turn the page.
January 28, 2026 - Philippe Gauthier - la Presse (English translation)
Energy Analyst at the Regroupement des organismes environnementales en énergie (ROEE)*
EXCERPT: ""Nuclear power is designed to produce continuously, with low operational flexibility. Conversely, a grid dominated by hydroelectric, wind and solar power requires a capacity for rapid modulation," the co-signatories write.
Costly and not without risk, nuclear power must give way to renewable energies, the co-signatories believe.
On January 7th, Sabrina Désilets, a doctoral student at Polytechnique Montréal, called for "A Second Chance for Nuclear Power in Quebec . " Her argument suffered from a serious disconnect with the current reality of this industry, which makes numerous promises without being able to keep them. In 70 years, nuclear energy has not proven its profitability. On the contrary, its costs are increasing, new reactor models remain unproven prototypes, and nuclear construction sites are plagued by constant cost overruns.
"Canadian experience with nuclear energy demonstrates the associated financial risks. In Ontario, the rapid expansion of the 1970s and 1980s led to Hydro-Ontario's indebtedness and then its bankruptcy in 1998."
More recently, refurbishing these old reactors has cost several billion dollars, and the province still relies on aging reactors with uncertain lifespans. In Quebec, the Gentilly-2 generating station experienced persistent technical problems that reduced its electricity availability. It was shut down in 2012 following an unfavorable economic analysis. . . . . "
[ https://www.lapresse.ca/dialogue/opinio ... a-page.php ]
January 28, 2026 - Philippe Gauthier - la Presse (English translation)
Energy Analyst at the Regroupement des organismes environnementales en énergie (ROEE)*
EXCERPT: ""Nuclear power is designed to produce continuously, with low operational flexibility. Conversely, a grid dominated by hydroelectric, wind and solar power requires a capacity for rapid modulation," the co-signatories write.
Costly and not without risk, nuclear power must give way to renewable energies, the co-signatories believe.
On January 7th, Sabrina Désilets, a doctoral student at Polytechnique Montréal, called for "A Second Chance for Nuclear Power in Quebec . " Her argument suffered from a serious disconnect with the current reality of this industry, which makes numerous promises without being able to keep them. In 70 years, nuclear energy has not proven its profitability. On the contrary, its costs are increasing, new reactor models remain unproven prototypes, and nuclear construction sites are plagued by constant cost overruns.
"Canadian experience with nuclear energy demonstrates the associated financial risks. In Ontario, the rapid expansion of the 1970s and 1980s led to Hydro-Ontario's indebtedness and then its bankruptcy in 1998."
More recently, refurbishing these old reactors has cost several billion dollars, and the province still relies on aging reactors with uncertain lifespans. In Quebec, the Gentilly-2 generating station experienced persistent technical problems that reduced its electricity availability. It was shut down in 2012 following an unfavorable economic analysis. . . . . "
[ https://www.lapresse.ca/dialogue/opinio ... a-page.php ]