OPG Shuts Pickering 4 Nuclear Reactor as Tech Giants Back Global Nuclear Push
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has announced the closure of Pickering 4 nuclear reactor. Meanwhile, tech giants Amazon, Google, and Meta, along with chemical company Dow, have united to support a global initiative aiming to triple nuclear power capacity.
OPG's decision to shut down Pickering 4, one of Canada's oldest reactors, comes as part of a planned phase-out of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. The closure is expected to have minimal impact on the province's power grid, as other reactors will continue to operate.
In a separate development, a coalition of influential corporations has thrown its weight behind a global goal to triple nuclear power capacity. Backed by tech giants Amazon, Google, Meta, and chemical company Dow, the initiative aims to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. This includes small modular reactors (SMRs), which are smaller, safer, and more efficient than traditional nuclear power plants.
Google has taken a significant step in this direction by partnering with Kairos Power. The collaboration aims to deploy SMRs in various locations, demonstrating the tech giant's commitment to clean energy. This follows Kazakhstan's ambitious plan to commission Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation for the construction of a new nuclear power plant. The Central Asian nation aims to reach about 2.4 GWe capacity by 2035 through the establishment of a nuclear energy authority.
Framatome, a key player in nuclear energy, will continue its work on instrumentation and control systems for Bruce nuclear units. This ensures the reliable and safe operation of these power plants, contributing to the stability of the grid.
The closure of Pickering 4 marks a significant step in Ontario's transition towards cleaner energy sources. Simultaneously, the global initiative to triple nuclear capacity, backed by prominent corporations, signals a significant shift in support for advanced nuclear technologies. These developments highlight the growing recognition of nuclear power's role in the world's clean energy future.
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