AECL could build new Toronto nuclear power plant



The Crown-owned Atomic Energy of Canada is reported to be the leading bidder for construction of the first Ontario nuclear power station to be built since the 80s, a multi-billion-dollar project near Toronto.

Its competitor is Areva of France, through its Canadian subsidiary, while Westinghouse Electric would supply technology, but not overall construction. Areva is the world's biggest nuclear station builder.

AECL is the guardian of Canada's CANDU technology used in Ontario's existing nuclear power station network and now developed further into the Advanced and Enhanced CANDU versions, offered internationally.

Ontario is reported to be negotiating with Ottawa to share the risks of cost over-runs - the latest nuclear plant at Darlington cost almost twice the original estimate.

Ontario plans two new 1,000 megawatt reactors at Darlington, east of Toronto. Earlier it indicated the winning bidder for the turnkey contract would be chosen by the end of June.


