Laurentis and NB Power sign nuclear support services agreement
FREDERICTON, NB – Today, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce joined New Brunswick Minister of Energy René Legacy to announce a landmark Support Services Agreement (SSA) between Laurentis Energy Partners (Laurentis), an Ontario Power Generation (OPG) subsidiary, and New Brunswick Power Corporation (NB Power). Under this new $20 million a year three-year agreement, Laurentis will provide targeted expertise and operational support to help drive performance at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (PLNGS) in New Brunswick.
Ontario is a global leader in nuclear power – with the proven safe and successful operation of our three nuclear generating stations and delivering large-scale refurbishments on-time and on-budget. The agreement leverages this expertise to strengthen Canada’s energy security and long-term sustainability for New Brunswickers, while showcasing Ontario’s role as a reliable partner and exporter of clean energy expertise.
“Ontario is proud to lead the world in nuclear excellence – and we’re now exporting that expertise to help New Brunswick succeed,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “This historic partnership with New Brunswick helps ensure energy reliability for their customers, while reinforcing Ontario’s position as Canada’s clean energy engine. By working together, we are protecting both our economies, creating new commercial opportunities and jobs, and powering a stronger Canadian energy future.”
Under the SSA, Laurentis will support NB Power to provide PLNGS with:
- Performance benchmarking and excellence planning: Laurentis will assess PLNGS against the high-performance standards of Ontario’s nuclear fleet, supporting NB Power in developing and executing a tailored Excellence Plan.
- Structured performance oversight: implementation of Laurentis’s industry-leading ‘Governance, Oversight, Support and Perform’ model that enhances accountability and continuous improvement.
- On-site support and collaboration: including quarterly visits to PLNGS by Laurentis to support programs and drive improvement initiatives.
- Flexible support services: access to specialized support in engineering, and project management.
- Personnel development: Laurentis will provide training and development resources for NB Power employees.
This agreement builds on our long-standing relationship with NB Power and represents another step forward in strengthening Canada’s nuclear sector through collaboration.Leslie McWilliamsLaurentis President and CEO
Through this partnership, Laurentis will help NB Power strengthen its operations at PLNGS and secure the long-term success of the station. Enhancing the station’s reliability will stabilize generation costs to help keep energy affordable for NB Power customers, as well as work towards ensuring energy security and financial and environmental sustainability for the next generation of Canadians.
This initiative showcases Ontario’s nuclear leadership in supporting other provinces’ nuclear sector which is a key pillar of Energy for Generations, Ontario’s long-term roadmap to deliver reliable, affordable and secure energy to power the most competitive economy in the G7. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.
Quick Facts
- NB Power owns and operates PLNGS, which is located on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Saint John, New Brunswick.
- Ontario and New Brunswick are the only Canadian provinces currently generating electricity from nuclear energy, with nuclear being a trusted clean source of power in Ontario for over 60 years and over 40 years in New Brunswick.
- Ontario relies on nuclear for about 50 per cent of its energy supply, while New Brunswick generates about 40 per cent of its power from nuclear.
- Ontario has been actively collaborating with New Brunswick on the future of nuclear generation, with a focus on small modular reactors (SMR).
- The provinces signed an MOU in December 2019 along with Saskatchewan, with Alberta joining in April 2021, to support the development and deployment of SMRs. In March 2022, the four provinces also released a joint Strategic Plan for the Deployment of SMRs that highlights the benefits of SMRs and sets a path forward for the advancement of SMRs in Canada.
Quotes
“Ontario is proud to lead the world in nuclear excellence – and we’re now exporting that expertise to help New Brunswick succeed,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines. “This historic partnership with New Brunswick helps ensure energy reliability for their customers, while reinforcing Ontario’s position as Canada’s clean energy engine. By working together, we are protecting both our economies, creating new commercial opportunities and jobs, and powering a stronger Canadian energy future.”
“New Brunswick and Ontario are known across Canada and around the world for their accomplishments in nuclear power generation,” said New Brunswick Energy Minister René Legacy. “This partnership will bolster that reputation and, more importantly, allow our two provinces to strengthen a promising working relationship for years to come.”
“This agreement builds on our long-standing relationship with NB Power and represents another step forward in strengthening Canada’s nuclear sector through collaboration,” said Leslie McWilliams, Laurentis President and CEO. “Laurentis is proud to share Ontario’s expertise - developed through decades of safe, reliable operation and world-class performance - to help enhance Point Lepreau’s success. Together, we’re demonstrating how provinces can work in partnership to advance clean energy, drive operational excellence, and deliver lasting benefits for customers and communities across Canada.”
About Laurentis
Laurentis Energy Partners, a subsidiary of OPG, is a global leader in the production of life-saving medical isotopes. From advanced cancer therapies to diagnostic imaging, Laurentis is helping power the future of nuclear medicine. The company also leverages its access to decades of nuclear knowledge and experience to deliver specialized nuclear services that include small modular reactor development, CANDU refurbishment, inspections, engineering, nuclear byproduct management, and decommissioning support globally. Laurentis has offices in the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, and Bruce County in Ontario, Saint John in New Brunswick, and Bucharest and Cernavoda in Romania. Follow us on Twitter/X or LinkedIn or visit www.laurentisenergy.com
About NB Power
For over 100 years, NB Power has been a part of the fabric of New Brunswick, Canada. The provincial electric utility has one of the most diverse generation fleets in North America, with approximately 80 per cent non-emitting generation. Over 2,600 energy experts provide reliable, safe and sustainable energy for over 400,000 direct and indirect customers every day. Using a customer-centric approach, NB Power is committed to developing sustainable energy for future generations of New Brunswickers. Part of this commitment includes investments in energy efficiency programs, energy solutions, renewable energy sources and smart grid technology.
Additional resources
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