Mississauga, 2006 June 13 — Team CANDU applauds today’s announcement by the Government of Ontario. The Government has spelled out a plan to meet the Province’s electricity needs and Team CANDU is confident it can play the role government envisions for it, particularly in regards to delivering nuclear facilities on time and on budget.

Team CANDU is a joint initiative between five of the world’s leading nuclear technology and engineering companies – Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Babcock & Wilcox Canada, General Electric Canada, Hitachi Canada Ltd., and SNC-Lavalin Nuclear Inc. Together, the Team is a power-house of expertise, resources and experience positioned to deliver a turn-key, fixed price solution for building new nuclear power plants in Ontario.

“This is an important step forward in addressing Ontario’s pressing energy needs, ” said Patrick Lamarre, President and CEO of SNC-Lavalin Nuclear Inc. “Team CANDU partners are ready to put their considerable combined expertise and experience at the disposal of their fellow citizens. Team CANDU is offering a turn-key, fixed price new nuclear solution for Ontario.”

Robert Van Adel, President and CEO of AECL said, “The government’s decision to maintain nuclear energy’s portion of the electricity supply mix will sustain the reliability of our electricity system, contribute to a cleaner environment and help keep electricity prices stable for the years ahead.  Clean, reliable, affordable power from CANDU generating stations is crucial to the continued economic well being of the people of Ontario.”

Rich Reimels, President, Babcock & Wilcox Canada adds, “The nuclear industry is poised to capitalize on and expand Ontario’s pool of innovation, intellectual property and skilled technical human resources. That makes for a bright future for all of us!”

Howard Shearer, President and CEO of Hitachi Canada Ltd., said the environmental and cost benefits of CANDU are significant.

“CANDU nuclear power generates electricity around the clock, and will remain one of the key contributors towards the goal of significant reduction of emission levels in Ontario,” said Mr. Shearer. “The cost of electricity from nuclear power is very competitive compared to its alternatives and coupled with its stability for years to come will be a driver for economic development in Ontario and Canada."

Peter Mason, Vice President and General Manager of General Electric Canada added, “Team CANDU and Ontario’s nuclear industry are ready to strongly support Ontario in meeting its clean-air electricity needs on a very competitive basis.” 

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Contact:

Yvette Amor, M.E.S. Manager, Public Relations & Communications Babcock & Wilcox Canada Cambridge, Ontario Telephone (519) 621-2120, extension 2416 yamor@babcock.com

Dale Coffin Director, Communications AECL (905) 403-7457 coffind@aecl.ca