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New Nuclear Opportunities at Point Lepreau. by Dr. Terry Thompson, Senior Advisor MZConsulting Inc NBSO 2008 Energy Conference Delta Brunswick Hotel, Saint John, NB 2008 May 15-16. Background. August 2007- government announced a Feasibility Study for new nuclear plant at Point Lepreau
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New Nuclear Opportunities at Point Lepreau by Dr. Terry Thompson, Senior Advisor MZConsulting Inc NBSO 2008 Energy Conference Delta Brunswick Hotel, Saint John, NB 2008 May 15-16
Background • August 2007- government announced a Feasibility Study for new nuclear plant at Point Lepreau • To be conducted and paid for by Team CANDU New Brunswick (TCNB) • AECL • SNC-Lavalin Nuclear • Hitachi Canada • GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada • Babcock &Wilcox Canada
Team CANDU New Brunswick Feasibility Study • Evaluate potential for ACR-1000 • Objectives • Private sector investment and risk • Energy cluster for NB • Jan 2008 - study submitted to government • 4 Feb 2008 - NBDOE press conference • Announced TCNB report received, under review
MZConsulting Viability Study • August 2007- NBDOE engaged MZConsulting to perform an independent Viability Study • Higher level study than TCNB FS • Objectives • Findings and Considerations for government • Workable business structure • Path forward for success • December 2007- report submitted to NBDOE • Feb 2008 - Executive Summary released to public
Basis of MZC Study • Assessed: • Market • Project Structures • Business Case • Local Benefits • Potential Role for New Brunswick
Key Inputs • Key References • ISO New England Scenario Analysis • RGGI Web Site • NBSO 10-Year Outlook • Northeast Gas Association Market Overview • CRS Report for Congress • IEA Outlook • OPA IPSP • CERI Report • UK Nuclear Consultation • WNA Web Site • Moody’s Report on Nuclear Power • Lacy Report on Attitudes of Financial Sector • Press Releases and Media reports • Technical papers and other web sites
Viability Study Outputs • Findings that reflect the views and information available in the market • Considerations for New Brunswick when reviewing the Team CANDU NB Feasibility Study • Potential Role for New Brunswick
Market Findings • There is a potential market for the output of an ACR-1000 plant • LNG and natural gas generation is the major competition • The Maritime market has the potential to take half the output of a new nuclear unit • The New England market has potential • Land transmission should be sufficient
Project Structure Findings • A nuclear project has never been implemented on a merchant plant basis • Success with this model will require long term commitments • The Project cannot take significant First of a Kind ACR-1000 risk
Business Case Findings • The economics of the project show that under a suitable set of conditions the project can be viable • The viability of the project is dependent upon the structure • Environmental issues are becoming more prominent in both the domestic and export markets
Economic Benefits Findings • This project can provide an impetus to the province’s goal of creating an “energy cluster”. • The province should receive demonstrable benefits from the project in return for hosting the First of a Kind ACR-1000. • Sustainability of the jobs related directly to the implementation of the ACR-1000 will be directly related to the success of the ACR-1000 in the global market. • Emphasis should be more on knowledge-based infrastructure than on fabrication.
Potential Role for New Brunswick • NB brings key attributes to the table • World class nuclear operator • Licensed nuclear site • Community support • Willingness to host the FOAK ACR-1000 • Should be fairly compensated • Price for Site • Local benefits • Option for eventual financial involvement should the long-term investment opportunity be sound
Summary • There is a potential market for an ACR-1000 plant • both domestic and for export • A merchant plant model has many issues • Project can be economically viable • NB brings a lot to the table • Significant knowledge localization is important
Path Forward • Consider if critical success factors can be met • Demonstrated market • FOAK risks managed • Robust business case • Strong project proponent to take completion risk • Sustainable, knowledge-based nuclear infrastructure for NB • If government’s conditions met • Site Preparation License Application • Environmental Assessment • Proposed In Service 2017