Nuclear energy is going through a renaissance. It is one of the few technologies that can produce, on a large scale, non-emitting base-load electric energy. As such, many countries are turning to nuclear energy to achieve energy security while reducing GHG emissions.

Canada has the world largest uranium reserves and for many years it was the world’s largest producer with approximately 22 percent of global production. However, in 2009 it was second to Kazakhstan.¹ Canada’s uranium is currently mined in the Athabasca Basin of northern Saskatchewan.  Over 80 percent of the uranium mined in Canada is exported.

Three provinces in Canada have nuclear facilities: New Brunswick, Québec and Ontario. Nuclear energy provides 23% of New Brunswick’s electrical power,² 2% of Québec’s electrical power and makes up nearly 50% of Ontario’s electrical power mix. Nuclear energy generates nearly 15% of Canada’s electricity.

[2]  New Brunswick’s Point Lepreau facility is currently being refurbished and is offline.