At Energy Alberta, safety is not just a priority— it is at the core of our values.

Nuclear energy is one of Canada’s safest and cleanest energy sources and is recognized globally as a critical tool in reducing greenhouse gases and fighting climate change. The use of nuclear power in clean energy production is tightly regulated and monitored to ensure the highest standards of public and environmental safety.  

A Legacy of Robust Safety Standards

Canada has a long history of safe nuclear energy production, dating back to the 1960s. The Canadian nuclear industry is one of the most tightly regulated in the world. The safety and environmental standards set by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) are recognized globally as some of the most stringent. The CNSC oversees the life cycle of nuclear plants, with technical experts and on-site inspectors monitoring plant operations to ensure compliance with these rigorous safety standards.

No industry is immune from accidents, but all industries learn from them. With nuclear power, the high energy density makes the potential hazard obvious, and this is been factored into the design of nuclear power plants, which contain numerous safety improvements based on operational experience. In addition to engineering and procedures which reduce the risk and severity of accidents, all plants have guidelines for severe accident management or mitigation.  

Multiple Layers of Protection: Keeping Workers and Communities Safe

The safety of workers and nearby communities will be our utmost priority. Canadian nuclear power plants are equipped with robust, independent control systems that ensure safety at all stages of operation. These systems are designed to perform three fundamental safety functions:

1. Containment Structures: Thick concrete walls isolate radioactive materials inside the reactor. In the unlikely event of an incident, these structures prevent radiation from spreading.

2. Radiation Shielding: Materials such as water, concrete and lead absorb radiation, ensuring the safety of both workers and the surrounding environment.

3. Continuous Monitoring: Radiation levels are continuously monitored both inside and outside the plant. This ensures that radiation exposure remains within the strictest safety limits.

Understanding Radiation

We know that radiation can be an intimidating topic, which is why we are prioritizing transparency and education in all aspects of our Project.

Radiation is a natural part of life. Radioactive elements like potassium-40 and carbon-14 are a part of the world around us. Potassium-40 is present in the foods we eat, like bananas and potatoes. Carbon-14 is found in the atmosphere and makes its way into us through the food chain.

Radiation exposures from an operating nuclear power plant are very low. A person who lives near an operating nuclear power plant could receive a radiation dose of about 0.001 mSv per year from normal operation, which is at least 1,000 times lower than the dose from natural background sources radiation.

Workers in nuclear plants are exposed to far less radiation than the average person experiences from a single medical X-ray. With advanced shielding, continuous monitoring and strict safety protocols in place, radiation exposure for plant workers is extremely low—often comparable to the natural background radiation we all encounter in daily life.

Ensuring Radiation Safety

Radiation safety is paramount in the nuclear energy industry. Nuclear power plants are equipped with advanced control and safety systems designed to minimize any radiation releases. During normal operations, only very small amounts of radiation are released into the air and water—these releases are closely monitored and kept well within strict safety limits.

To further minimize airborne radiation, nuclear facilities use highly efficient filters and radiation monitors. These filters remove over 99% of radiation from the air before it is released into the environment, ensuring that the public and local ecosystems are protected.

Managing Used Nuclear Fuel: Safe Storage and Disposal

One of the most critical aspects of nuclear safety is the handling of used nuclear fuel. After fuel is used in a reactor, it is removed and stored securely in a water-filled pool for 7 to 10 years. This process allows the water to continue cooling the fuel and providing necessary radiation shielding. The pools are built in-ground, designed to withstand earthquakes, and are located in separate buildings on-site to ensure safety.

Once the fuel has sufficiently cooled, it is moved to dry storage containers or vaults. These storage systems are carefully monitored to ensure that the fuel remains safely contained.  

Canada's Long-Term Storage Plan

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is the not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The technical method will involve building a deep geological repository in a suitable rock formation to safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel using a multiple-barrier system. NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace in Ontario as the host communities for the future repository site. Learn more at nwmo.ca.

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