The UK nuclear utility British Energy is discussing the possibility of a role in Ontario Hydro’s nuclear division, the company has confirmed. Preliminary discussions are examining the possibility of the UK company acquiring, managing or acting as consultants for some of the Canadian utility’s nuclear plants.
Ontario Hydro is due to shut down seven nuclear plants this year in order to try and revive the fortunes of its nuclear division. An internal report criticised safety at several of the company’s installations.
However an Ontario Hydro select committee has suggested pursuing public-private sector ventures to try and keep the seven plants open.
The utility has already started the shut down process with the three Pickering A nuclear units. These will be maintained in a wet-layup condition in case the utility decides to restart them.
The Ontario government has been criticised by industry and power producers for its tardy approach to the revision of the power industry. A committee to oversee the breakup of Ontario Hydro has yet to be set up.