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Fact Sheet
- The 650 Megawatt station is Atlantic Canada's only nuclear station. It was designed by Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. And began commercial operations in 1983.
- During peak construction in 1979, approximately 3,500 people were employed on the project. Construction began in 1975 and was completed in late 1981.
- The station is a CANDU pressurized heavy water reactor. CANDU stands for CAN ada D euterium U ranium.
- Point Lepreau produces 30% of New Brunswick's energy needs.
- The station employs between 600 and 700 individuals and contributes $70 million annually to the economy.
- The uranium used at Lepreau is mined in Canada and refined in Port Hope, Ontario. Uranium oxide is compressed in fuel pellets which are then baked to give them the properties of ceramic material. Fuel pellets are placed into 37 fuel elements that are assembled to create a fuel bundle.
- A fuel bundle, which costs between $2,000 and $3,000, can produce enough electricity for the average home for 100 years.
- 400 tonnes of oil, or 1,500 barrels of oil would be needed to produce the same amount of energy.
- If not refurbished, the Point Lepreau generating station would have to be closed in 2010. Refurbishment would allow the plant to continue producing electricity for 25 to 30 years.
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