FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Point Lepreau Generating Station returned to commercial operations today, marking what is projected to be the beginning of 25 to 30 years of providing safe, reliable and non-emitting power for New Brunswickers and export customers.
"Point Lepreau is fundamental to achieving our goal of having 75 per cent of New Brunswick's electricity coming from clean, renewable or non-emitting sources by 2020," said Energy and Mines Minister Craig Leonard. "Further, with Point Lepreau back online, NB Power now has greater export sales opportunities. These, combined with the cost reductions that have been made, will keep power rates low and stable for the foreseeable future."
The refurbishment of the Point Lepreau Generating Station positions NB Power once again as a utility with a world-class nuclear facility and a highly skilled work force required to operate it. It also provides New Brunswick with a vital component of its long-term energy policy.
"Having this newly refurbished, high-tech facility back on our grid means so much to NB Power and to New Brunswickers," said Gaëtan Thomas, president and chief executive officer of NB Power. "It is a foundational piece of our domestic energy supply and our export sales, and it provides rate stability and the financial flexibility to now begin reducing debt. We can now accelerate our investment in other priorities such as our new strategic direction around helping customers reduce their energy use."
With the station in the final stages of commissioning, a comprehensive series of reactor physics, generator and safety systems tests were successfully completed to ensure dependable, safe and reliable operations of the 660 megawatt (net) facility, located 50 kilometres west of Saint John.
"Tests and monitoring will continue through the early weeks of commercial operation to ensure that all aspects of the facility are working as intended and responding appropriately as part of the electricity system," said Thomas. "As we reach the end of what has been a long and, at times, challenging project, we look to the future with renewed optimism. Thanks to the skill and determination of our team, we have given the station a new life and look forward to it delivering emission-free power to another generation of New Brunswickers."
"With the Point Lepreau Generating Station commercially operational and its power available for export markets, we can now accelerate our debt reduction efforts," said Ed Barrett, chairman of NB Power’s board of directors. "Our plan is to pay down debt by $1 billion over the next decade, and the completion of this project allows us to now begin this pursuit in earnest."
23-11-12