Summit showcases impact of clean energy industry in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties

Bruce Power and the Nuclear Innovation Institute hosted the Clean Energy Innovation and Recovery Summit on Monday, November 29. More than 150 participants attended the virtual event to learn about the innovative efforts of the clean energy industry and to talk about the economic impact and opportunity created in the Bruce, Grey and Huron region.

The Clean Energy Innovation and Recovery Summit’s panel discussion on opportunities in the tri-county region. L-R: Jessica Linthorne, Director of the Clean Energy Frontier program at NII; John D’Angelo, Chief Nuclear Officer and SVP, Kinectrics; Janice Jackson, Warden, Bruce County; Jen Christie, Owner, Bonfire on Queen and Executive Director, Catapult Grey-Bruce.

A few highlights:

• The nuclear industry is a very significant economic multiplier in the province of Ontario—Bruce Power and its nuclear supply chain boosted Ontario's GDP by more than $4 billion in 2020

• 95% of the wealth created from Bruce Power’s operations stays in Ontario

• Nuclear industry activity boosted household spending last year by $1.43 billion, the vast majority of which is spent in the tri-county region of Bruce, Grey and Huron counties

Warden Janice Jackson, Co-chair for the Clean Energy Frontier Program, joined a panel to discuss the opportunity presented in the region. “As we heard today, the clean energy work happening in this region continues to deliver investment, job creation and growth to communities across the Clean Energy Frontier,” said Jackson.

NII’s Chad Richards (far left) speaks with Bill Walker, Deputy Speaker, MPP Bruce-Grey Owen Sound and Hon. Lisa Thompson, MPP Huron-Bruce, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Hon. Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and MP Bill Walker, Deputy Speaker, joined the conversation to share perspectives and program details regarding economic recovery.

Both highlighted their strong commitment to the clean energy sector and expressed gratitude to NII for its role in promoting the region as the Clean Energy Frontier.

The conversation also highlighted opportunities for the area to lead in a clean post-pandemic recovery, including carbon sequestration in agriculture, energy stability, the production of medical isotopes and more.

Six new nuclear suppliers to the Bruce Power Major Component Replacement project were recognized at the event. These employers have opened offices or manufacturing space in the tri-county region, creating jobs and assessment growth for the community.

Mike Rencheck, President & CEO, Bruce Power, delivers the summit's keynote address.

“The innovation and collaboration happening in the Clean Energy Frontier region are key drivers of our ‘Made in Ontario’ economic recovery strategy,” said Bruce Power President and CEO Mike Rencheck.

“Bruce Power is committed to working with suppliers who are landing in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties and throughout Canada to ensure that we capitalize on the strong momentum that we have created in the region.”

The six new suppliers to the community are: Laurentis Energy Partners, Makwa-Cahill, Nucleom, Plan Group, PCL Construction, and Westinghouse.

Wrapping up the summit was Bruce Wallace, NII President and CEO: “Through the thought-provoking conversations at this successful event and the insights from the economic impact study, we have reflected back to community leaders the critical work happening here in the Clean Energy Frontier.”

Learn more about the work of the Clean Energy Frontier program at nii.ca/clean-energy-frontier.