New Brunswick became a nuclear pioneer with the construction of Point Lepreau's Candu reactor. Now, Energy Minister Jack Keir says private investors are interested in building two new reactors.

It's the best news New Brunswickers have heard all year.

In a recessionary economy, energy is the one sure bet. By entering into a partnership to generate nuclear power, New Brunswick can boost its economic output, create thousands of jobs and tap an export market that will be strong for years to come. Private investors will bear the financial risk; New Brunswickers will enjoy the benefits.

If investors make an offer, the government should go for it.

Companies such as Hitachi Nuclear are interested in Point Lepreau because they've been effectively shut out of New England by the proliferation of cities and suburbs. The demand for electricity in the northeastern U.S. is expected to increase 39 per cent by 2030, but resistance to building new power plants remains high there. New Brunswick offers investors a proven nuclear power site, close to the U.S. border - a launching pad to reach a continental market.

New Brunswickers have their own reasons to favour new reactors. Anyone old enough to remember the first Lepreau construction boom knows how much this province stands to benefit from two new nuclear power plants.

Thousands of jobs would be created, kickstarting home construction and consumer spending at a time when most provincial economies are sagging.

Local companies involved in construction would grow larger and develop the know-how to take on bigger contracts in the energy industry.

Each reactor would create hundreds of highly paid, highly skilled permanent jobs. Growth in the nuclear workforce and support industries would consolidate New Brunswick's position as a centre for nuclear power expertise.

New Brunswick is ideally positioned to profit from the growing demand for electricity south of the border. If private investors are prepared to fund construction of Lepreau 2 and Lepreau 3, the government should do everything it can to supply a licensed site.

Posted December 24 2008, Source ,