As we watch negotiations at the COP29 climate change conference and mark the one-year anniversary of Canada’s pledge to triple its nuclear capacity by 2050, the reality would appear to be clear: there is no feasible net-zero future without the deployment of new nuclear power.
This pledge signals a shift for a country that just three years ago excluded nuclear from its clean energy funding programs. Nuclear power, historically controversial, is increasingly viewed by leaders across the political spectrum as key to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Keep in mind that our reactors produce a significant proportion of the world’s medical isotopes. Those also have a short lifespan so steady production is required. If we are going to maintain or improve healthcare, we will need to increase our production.