Overview
Prince Edward Island is particularly vulnerable to climate change, being low-lying and surrounded by water. Climate change will increase the risk of coastal flooding and erosion as sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more frequent. The province is interested in alternative low or non-emitting sources of energy to contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. PEI has few energy options for spacing heating and most Island homes continue to use light fuel, although there is a move towards electrification in the last decade. As spacing heating and transportation transition to electricity, carbon free sources of energy will be needed.
As Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island has an area of only 5,660 square kilometers and a population of 156,000. Despite its size, PEI has been a world-class leader in renewable energy for more than 20 years. With a peak electrical load of 280 MW and installed wind capacity of 204 MW, about 25% of the electricity used on PEI is from on-Island wind generation.
The majority of PEI’s electricity is currently imported from New Brunswick. The electrical interconnection to New Brunswick via four submarine cables is critical to the Island grid as it allows for import of energy and balancing renewables. The cables enable PEI to share in the nuclear power generated by Point Lepreau in NB, in which PEI has a participation agreement contributing 30 MW of baseload power to the Island grid.
Prince Edward Island sees great potential for SMRs regionally. The Island supports clean energy generation and additional electrification through the 2017 Provincial Energy Strategy and 2018 Climate Change Action Plan. SMRs in the region would provide a clean energy source as we strive to meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals:
- New England Governors / Eastern Canadian Premiers goal of reducing emissions by 35% - 45% below 1990 levels by 2030
- Legislated, via Climate Leadership Act, mandate to reduce overall emissions to 1.2 MT (40% below 2005 levels by 2030)
- Vision of reaching net zero GHG emissions by 2040
PEI supports the principles outlined in the SMR Action Plan as it understands the need for future low-emissions sources of energy as we transition to a low-carbon economy.
ACTIONS
DEMONSTRATION AND DEPLOYMENT
Support for Regional Deployment of SMRs
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
PEI01
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 1, 9, 16, 18
ACTIONS
Support regional deployment of SMRs via partnerships with neighboring provinces or long-term power purchase agreements.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Additional clean energy supply on Prince Edward Island. Support for additional renewable energy generation.
POLICY, LEGISLATION, AND REGULATION
Clean Energy Focus in Provincial Policy
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
PEI02
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 7, 8, 18
ACTIONS
Prince Edward Island will continue to develop policy, legislation and regulation with a clean energy focus, enabling SMR technology development.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Additional clean energy supply on Prince Edward Island. Support for additional renewable energy generation.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Communicate the energy, environmental, and economic benefits
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
PEI03
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 53
ACTIONS
Work in collaboration to communicate the climate change and benefits associated with SMR.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Increased understanding of the benefits of advanced nuclear energy complementing renewable energy technologies.