Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station receives 10-year licence renewal term from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

2022-06-22

Fredericton, N.B. – The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has announced that a 10-year Power Reactor Operating Licence has been granted to NB Power for the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (PLNGS).

Following a two-part public hearing process, the CNSC Commission confirmed PLNGS’s safety measures meet the regulatory requirements of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and protect the public, employees, and the environment.

“We respect the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s decision.”, said Brett Plummer, Vice President Nuclear and Chief Nuclear Officer at NB Power. “This decision represents the longest-term licence for Point Lepreau to date, and we are pleased. Licence renewal is a very thorough and balanced process, and we understand the many complex perspectives and attributes that are required to be carefully considered. “

Approximately 200 intervenors provided written submissions about their views of PLNGS’s licence application, and 40 intervenors made presentations to the CNSC Commission at the Part 2 hearing held in Saint John in May. Throughout the process, NB Power actively engaged First Nations, community leaders, industry peers and members of the public.   

“We would like to thank all of the individuals, communities and organizations who took the time to participate in the regulatory process,” said Brett Plummer. “We heard valuable feedback and we are committed to ongoing dialogue on Station operations and areas of interest.”

PLNGS will look forward to continuing to uphold its commitment to New Brunswickers by focusing on safety and continuous improvement at the Station, while generating reliable, emission-free nuclear power.

Click here for the CNSC’s announcement.

About the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station  

The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station is a 660 megawatt (net) nuclear generating station and a base load contributor to the New Brunswick electrical grid. It is a major component of NB Power’s generating assets and contributes to NB Power sourcing approximately 80 per cent of the electricity used in New Brunswick from clean, renewable, or non-emitting sources.  In 2021/22, it represented approximately 46 per cent of the total net generation from NB Power generating stations, with a net capacity factor of approximately 88 per cent.

MEDIA CONTACT:   Dominique Couture, Communications, (506) 458-2345 or DCouture@nbpower.com.