Centre to demonstrate critical role of nuclear in net-zero future, deepen connections with other sectors
Nuclear power will play a fundamental role as a catalyst and enabler of a net-zero carbon economy. From community-driven decarbonization projects to collaborative approaches to achieving net zero with other sectors such as agriculture, conservation, energy storage, transportation, and others—the nuclear industry is a key player in the fight against climate change.
This is the focus of the Bruce Power Centre for New Nuclear & Net Zero Partnerships, launched today at the Nuclear Innovation Institute. Replacing and building upon the work of NII’s Centre for Next Generation Nuclear, the new program will advance the connection between the fundamental role of nuclear—both existing and new installations—and Canada’s pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, demonstrating that there is no viable path to a net zero future without nuclear power.
The Centre will strengthen this connection by:
developing and managing regional and community-driven decarbonization projects through Bruce Power’s Carbon Offset Coalition;
raising awareness and leading original research to support the case for new nuclear builds, from small modular reactors to large-scale facilities; and
forging ties between nuclear and other clean energy sectors, from hydrogen to renewables and fusion energy, building upon the work of the Centre for Next Generation Nuclear.
“Nuclear is a big tent—with the ability to gather vastly different groups and technologies together and enable a multilayered push towards a net-zero future,” said Bruce Wallace, President and CEO at NII. “We look forward to sharing new research and education pieces on issues key to decarbonizing Canada’s energy landscape.”
Chad Richards will lead this new program as Director of the Centre for New Nuclear & Net Zero Partnerships. Coming later this month, the Centre will release its inaugural report—exploring the ways in which nuclear, alongside energy storage technologies like hydrogen, battery, and pumped storage, can reduce electricity grid emissions while enhancing grid reliability and flexibility.
“There is no way to achieve net zero without a solid foundation of technology, partnerships and policy,” said James Scongack, Chief Development Officer and EVP Operational Services at Bruce Power.
He added: “Nuclear is this foundation upon which we can build the tools needed to combat climate change both locally and abroad. This will be highlighted by the Centre’s first report, which will demonstrate the benefits of pairing clean baseload power like nuclear with clean energy storage solutions.”
Learn more about the work of the Centre for New Nuclear & Net Zero Partnerships at nii.ca/net-zero-partnerships.