(AlbertaIndex, April 25, Friday) --- The Alberta government said it has appointed a four-member expert panel to prepare a comprehensive and objective report on nuclear energy.  By fully examining the environmental, safety and numerous other issues related to nuclear-generated electricity, the panel’s report will provide the basis for future public discussions.

    The panel will be asked to provide a comprehensive examination of: environmental, health and safety issues, waste management, comparing nuclear energy with other electricity generation technologies, current and future nuclear power generation being used in Canada and around the world, and Alberta’s future electricity needs.  The panel has also been asked to examine social issues and concerns related to nuclear energy.

It is expected to submit its report to government by the fall. A process for gathering input from Albertans will then be determined based upon the experts’ findings.

The panel, chaired by Dr Harvie Andre, President and CEO of Wenzel Downhole Tools Ltd, includes Dr Joseph Doucet, Enbridge Professor of Energy Policy at the University of Alberta, School of Business, Dr Harrie Vredenburg, Suncor Energy Chair in Competitive Strategy and Sustainable Development at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, and, Dr John Luxat, Nuclear Safety Analysis, at the Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University.

“Nuclear energy is a challenging topic because it generates strong feelings and opinions—not only in Alberta, but around the world,” said Energy Minister Mel Knight. “That is why developing an objective and broad-based research paper is an important first step in having informed and meaningful discussions with Albertans.

“The Premier has committed to consulting with Albertans before developing a provincial position on nuclear energy. The work of the panel will provide the government and all Albertans with an unbiased examination of the issues that will help us determine together whether or not nuclear energy is the right fit for meeting Alberta’s electricity needs.”

The Provincial Energy Strategy, expected to be completed later this year, will also be reviewed by the expert panel to examine how nuclear power fits into an Alberta context.

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