Evidence of meeting #35 for Natural Resources in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was opg.
A recording is available from Parliament.
10:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geng Tan Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Thank you, Chair.
When AECL was here two days ago, the committee heard that AECL used to have three divisions. The first division, CANDU energy, is now sold. The second division, the R and D division, is at Chalk River and has been under the so-called go-co model. The third division is called the liability management, or more precisely, the waste management division.
NWMO, your organization, if successful, I assume will be very active and will very likely take care of most of the business on nuclear waste management. How would your organization work with AECL's third division, the only division under the direct management of AECL?
10:40 a.m.
President and CEO, Nuclear Waste Management Organization
AECL has a number of waste liabilities. They have low- and intermediate-level waste and some small amount of used fuel. My organization is responsible for the management of long-term solutions for used nuclear fuel, so a small portion of the material from AECL will be managed through the program my organization is responsible for.
On the broader question of co-operation among the waste owners, we do share information. We look to each other for operating experience and the different technologies available. We work collaboratively within the industry to make sure we're able to learn from each other and share and bring to bear all the available technologies. However, the responsibility of my organization is separate from a large portion of the liabilities that AECL is responsible for.
10:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geng Tan Liberal Don Valley North, ON
It sounds as if AECL will still have the biggest share of the business on nuclear waste management.
10:40 a.m.
President and CEO, Nuclear Waste Management Organization
Generally speaking, there are major players in the waste business. Ontario Power Generation—and I don't want to speak for Glenn—has a large portion of the low- and intermediate-level waste, as well as the used fuel. They are also, like AECL, a large component of the discussion. Hydro-Québec and New Brunswick also have a share, a smaller share, based on the size of their generating footprint. OPG owns all the waste from Bruce Power as well as from their own operations
AECL and OPG are the two large arms, and Nuclear Waste Management Organization's role is to accept the used fuel, which will come predominantly from OPG, then through New Brunswick Power, Hydro-Québec, and a very small portion of AECL's material.
10:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geng Tan Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Since the beginning of the operation in 1970s, more than five decades ago, OPG has built up a lot of expertise running a nuclear facility safely and efficiently.
Mr. Jager, do you see any need or any opportunity to market OPG's experience and know-how to other countries? This is not only to generate revenue for Canadians, but I also believe it is a very effective way to promote CANDU technology worldwide.
10:40 a.m.
President and Chief Nuclear Officer, Ontario Power Generation Inc.
OPG and all the operators in Canada support all the companies that market their services and manufacturing components abroad. From an operator's standpoint, we don't directly sell components or services per se, but rather support the industry within Canada that does that, and it does a lot of work abroad.
Again, from an operational standpoint, the safety and reliability and the investment Canada makes in its nuclear industry directly affects or impacts the ability to market our manufacturing and services abroad. It's a very important underpinning.
When you look to the future, it's important to maintain, continue, and have a plan for the investment of new technologies or introduction of new reactor types, because you want to be on the leading edge to position that manufacturing base and that expertise within Canada, and to be able to market it abroad.
Today we do a lot of work abroad. OPG has a very small services company, but primarily we support the companies that manufacture within Canada and provide services internationally.
10:45 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal James Maloney
I think we'll stop there.
Thank you very much to our witnesses. We're very grateful for you taking the time to be here, and travelling, especially in this weather. We wish you safe travels back home.
Thank you to Mr. Sweet, Ms. Gallant, and Ms. Mendès for attending today as well.
The meeting is adjourned.