-------- Original Message -------- Nuclear oilsands on Tory agenda; Party will vote on further study of energy option The Calgary Herald Tue 01 May 2007 Page: A1 / FRONT Section: News Byline: Jason Fekete Dateline: EDMONTON Source: Calgary Herald Edition: Early Story Type: News Length: 760 words Illustration: Colour Photo: Treasury Board President Lloyd Snelgrove ; The future of nuclear power in the oilsands will face a judgment day this weekend, when members of the governing Progressive Conservatives vote at their annual convention whether to further explore the controversial energy option. A resolution from the Calgary-Mountain View Tory constituency association, which will be voted on at the party convention in Edmonton, calls on the government to immediately strike a committee to study and draft recommendations "for the construction of nuclear power plants for use in tar sands development." However, several hurdles remain before nuclear energy could ever come to Alberta, including winning public support for the initiative and achieving regulatory approval. The PC party's renewed interest in nuclear comes as Treasury Board President Lloyd Snelgrove -- Premier Ed Stelmach's top lieutenant -- argues nuclear power is "a natural fit" for the oilsands and the only way to substantially cut emissions. "It makes no sense to not look at it," Snelgrove said Monday, noting he'll vote in support of creating a committee to analyze the nuclear option and initiate public consultation. "If nuclear energy is our best environmentally friendly source of energy, particularly with the oilsands . . . then I think we have to look at it." While Snelgrove noted he's no expert on the issue, he said the provincial government must meet the "pollution standards" and expectations of the rest of the world. Giving this weekend's vote additional weight are promises from Stelmach to listen more to the grassroots and heed their wishes when drafting government policy. Energy Minister Mel Knight and other Tories were quick to note Monday that pursuing the nuclear option in the oilpatch isn't high on their to-do list right now, but may be worth analyzing in greater detail. "I have to be open to all alternate energy projects," Knight said. "Industry players will make the right determination when that time comes." A number of companies have indicated their interest to conduct feasibility studies on using nuclear energy, but there are currently no applications in front of the government, he added. Liberal environment critic David Swann warned, though, the government must tread cautiously on the file and should instead be investing in more sustainable energy options. "I think we have to be very careful about the nuclear option," Swann said, noting costs and waste issues are major concerns. "The priority should be energy efficiency and renewables -- not nuclear." Intergovernmental Relations Minister Guy Boutilier, MLA for the Fort McMurray area, said the government's priority is renewable energies, but is willing to review all options. "Presently, nuclear is probably lower at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to energy resources," Boutilier said. "We'll never rule it out quite simply by the perspective that it's an important energy source that the rest of the world requires." Alberta Alliance Leader Paul Hinman, who represents the riding of Cardston-Taber-Warner, said nuclear is the most economical and clean way to produce reliable electricity, and is calling for a plant to be built in southern Alberta. "I'd let one go in my backyard," Hinman said. Today, enormous amounts of natural gas are used to create steam that is pumped underground to separate bitumen -- thick, tar-like crude oil -- from the sands. Nuclear plants are viewed as an option because they not only generate electricity, but would help produce steam for the oilsands process. However, they can cost billions and, with regulations, take 10 years to build. Environmental groups such as the Pembina Institute, an Alberta-based think-tank, are against going nuclear to extract bitumen, warning the dangers of disposing of the waste outweigh potential benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the oilpatch. "I'd hate to see the narrow focus on nuclear prevent other options," said Pembina's Dan Woynillowicz, noting geothermal and gasification processes are also available for oilsands production. In Ottawa, the idea of using nuclear energy in the oilsands is gathering steam. Federal Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn said recently nuclear power is an option worth pursuing. And Husky Energy chief executive John Lau has said his company is exploring nuclear's potential and that it is "the right long-term approach for oilsands." A recent poll of 812 Albertans, which was provided to the Herald, suggested nuclear power for the oilsands is highly contentious in Alberta, with 45 per cent behind the idea and 43 per cent against. Twelve per cent were unsure. Opposition was highest in northern Alberta -- home of the oilsands -- where 53 per cent of residents disapprove of the nuclear option, while 36 per cent support it.
-- Darryl McMahon It's your planet. If you won't look after it, who will? The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy (now in print and eBook) http://www.econogics.com/TENHE/ _______________________________________________ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
