Protecting people, communities, water, land and the environment is at the core of Energy Alberta’s approach to the Peace River Nuclear Power Project.
Canada has been a global leader in nuclear safety for decades, with rigorous oversight from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and international organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency. From Project planning through to operations and decommissioning, nuclear facilities in Canada are designed, regulated and monitored to meet some of the highest safety and environmental standards in the world, with multiple layers of protection built into every stage of the Project.
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The safety of workers and nearby communities will be our utmost priority. Canadian nuclear power plants are equipped with robust, independent control systems that ensure safety at all stages of operation. In addition, other systems are designed to perform three fundamental safety functions:
Thick concrete walls isolate radioactive materials inside the reactor. In the unlikely event of an incident, these structures prevent radiation from spreading.
Materials such as water, concrete and lead absorb radiation, ensuring the safety of both workers and the surrounding environment.
Radiation levels are continuously monitored both inside and outside the plant. This ensures that radiation exposure remains within the strictest safety limits.
Radiation is a natural part of everyday life, and people are regularly exposed to naturally occurring radioactive elements found in the environment. Radiation levels from operating nuclear power plants are extremely low and carefully controlled through advanced safety systems, continuous monitoring and highly efficient filtration technology designed to remove more than 99% of radiation from air emissions before release. In fact, a person living near a nuclear facility is potentially exposed to radiation at a dose at least 1,000 times lower than natural background radiation levels, while nuclear workers are typically exposed to less radiation than the average person receives from a single medical X-ray.
Learn more about radiation safetyCanada’s nuclear facilities are the most protected critical infrastructure in Canada. Nuclear security is regulated by the CNSC, which sets out detailed security requirements designed to safeguard nuclear facilities against threats, including cyber security, and ensure that nuclear material stays in the right hands. Though security measures have been developed over time in response to potential threats, a breach of the physical, personnel or information security of Canadian nuclear facilities has never happened.
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No industry is immune from accidents, but all industries learn from them. With nuclear power, the potential hazards have been factored into the design of nuclear power plants in order to protect the public, the environment and workers. Modern-day facilities contain numerous safety improvements based on operational experience. In addition to engineering and procedures which significantly reduce the risk and severity of incidents, all plants have guidelines for accident management and mitigation.
Although nuclear accidents are very rare, it is still important to prepare should one occur. The CNSC mandates that all major nuclear facilities maintain comprehensive emergency preparedness programs, including dedicated response facilities, specialized equipment and trained personnel.
The CNSC requires all nuclear facilities to conduct regular tests of their emergency management systems and response organizations. In the unlikely event of an incident, facility staff along with trained and enabled emergency response personnel are prepared to respond quickly, safely and effectively in line with the strict planning, training and testing programs governed by the CNSC. CNSC staff with extensive experience and expertise in nuclear emergency response, would oversee the response to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to limit the risk to health, safety, security and the environment.
Energy Alberta is considering two advanced, Canadian-owned nuclear reactor technologies: Atkins Réalis’ CANDU® and Westinghouse’s AP1000®.
Learn more about the technology and the science behind nuclearOur news and updates section is your go-to source for the latest happenings, announcements and stories about Energy Alberta. Explore how we’re working to transform energy production in the province.
Student internships play an important role in developing the next generation of professionals, providing hands-on experience and a greater understanding of where their education can take them. At Energy Alberta, creating opportunities for students and emerging professionals to learn alongside experienced team members is one way we are helping build the workforce needed for Alberta's clean energy future.
When it comes to nuclear energy, questions are an important part of the conversation. As planning for the Peace River Nuclear Power Project continues, Energy Alberta is committed to providing clear, transparent information about the Project and the role nuclear energy could play in Alberta's future.
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There is no better way to get to know a community than by spending time alongside the people who call it home. This spring and summer, the Energy Alberta team has travelled across the Peace Region, attending local events, celebrating community traditions and connecting with residents as planning continues for the Peace River Nuclear Power Project.
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