The Ford government, through its electricity producer, Ontario Power Generation, has recently announced plans to build the largest and most expensive nuclear reactor complex in the world. The project is called New Nuclear at Wesleyville (NNW). It is currently at the early stages of the federal impact assessment process. If it goes ahead, it will involve the construction of 8-10 large scale reactors that will eventually produce 10,000 MW of electricity.

The Quebec government, through Hydro-Québec, has recently announced its plans for one of “the largest wind energy development in North America”. It will also, upon completion, produce 10,000 MW of electricity.

What a remarkable and instructive comparison. Both projects aim to produce the same amount of electricity, 10,000 MW.

Both governments claim the projects to be major economic drivers. The New Nuclear at Wesleyville Project, according to the government’s media release, “will bring good paying local jobs, drive economic growth, and help build a stronger future for our community. This project creates real opportunities for local workers and businesses …”

In Quebec the economic impact of the wind energy project is similarly described: “These investments will generate major economic and social benefits for the region, particularly in terms of job creation, workforce training and diversification of community and municipal revenues.”

And that is where the similarities end.

Supporting Rationale

The rationale for Ontario Power Generation’s nuclear ambition is found in the government’s policy paper, ‘Energy for Generations’. It promises that “nuclear power will continue to serve as the backbone of the province’s electricity system…” To help achieve that outcome the government passed Bill 214 which gives preference to the nuclear industry. The act provides for “the prioritization of nuclear power generation to meet future increases in the demand for electricity …”

The rationale behind Hydro-Québec’s wind energy strategy is expressed in ‘Charting the Course for Collective Success’ and the ‘Action Plan 2035–Towards a Decarbonized and Prosperous Québec’:

“Polluting forms of energy must gradually be replaced by optimizing energy use and generating more renewable energy.”

“The energy transition is under way … Hydro-Québec is implementing the strategies that will enable it to meet the challenge of this society-wide endeavor.”

Electricity Rates

The Ontario government changed regulations in December 2025 to allow OPG to charge consumers for the generation of nuclear energy before the plants are even built. OPG immediately applied for an increase of 72.6% in the price it charges for nuclear electricity. This proposed increase is a small start in addressing the costs of the nuclear projects at Darlington and Pickering. It does not include any of the future costs associated with the New Nuclear at Wesleyville.

Hydro-Québec, on the other hand, reported that “The operating costs of wind turbines are relatively low after the initial installation, making them a long-term energy source that is cost-effective.” And it insists wind energy will help keep rates down.” Lastly, the resulting cost optimization will benefit all customers by limiting the impact on Hydro-Québec’s rates.”

As part of the wind energy expansion, Hydro-Québec is providing revenue-sharing opportunities for municipalities and indigenous communities. “This way, we can turn the wind into collective wealth while generating spinoffs for communities.”

Time Frame

Nuclear reactors take a long time to build. Ontario Power Generation notes that the first unit at the New Nuclear at Wesleyville might become operational in 2040 and the last by 2048. To reach 10,000 MW of nuclear electricity generation would take at least 22 years.

Hydro-Québec plans to install 10,000 MW by 2035, with about 1000-1500 MW added each year. According to Hydro-Québec, ‘rapid deployment’ is one of the attractions of wind energy. “A wind power project, including planning, consultation, construction and commissioning, can be carried out in approximately five to seven years.”

The Bottom Line

What is the cost? Neither Hydro-Québec nor Ontario Power Generation have provided cost estimates of their respective projects. But those costs can be estimated based on contracted arrangements and industry standard cost estimates. In a recent media release, the government of Quebec announced “the development of wind power on the territory of the Mi’gmaq of Gespe’gewa’gi, which corresponds to the Gaspésie and eastern Bas-Saint-Laurent. This area could supply up to 6,000 MW of wind power over the next few years.” The release refers to an investment of $18 billion for the project.

Using these figures suggests that 10,000 MW of wind energy could be built for about $30 billion.

The costs of the 10,000 MW at the New Nuclear at Wesleyville are magnitudes higher. Based on the costs of recently built new large-scale reactors in the United States and the more conservative midpoint costs of new reactors provided by Lazard (the recognized experts in energy cost comparisons) the figure ranges from $160 billion to $230 billion.

Quite a choice: 10,000 MW of wind energy in Quebec at about $30 billion or 10,000 MW of nuclear energy in Ontario at $160-230 billion.

Admittedly there is a difference between the capacity factor (CF) of wind turbines and the capacity factor of nuclear reactors. Wind turbines are much less efficient than nuclear reactors. However, wind turbine capacities have been increasing as a function of both technological developments and energy storage options. On the other hand, the lifetime capacity ratings of nuclear plants are much less than their announced capacity. But for the sake of argument if nuclear plants were twice as efficient as wind turbines, it would take twice as much wind turbine capacity to produce an equivalent amount of electricity. In this case Quebec would need 20,000 MW of wind energy to be equal to 10,000 MW of Ontario nuclear energy. Instead of $30 billion the cost would be $60 billion.

Even at this extreme, $60 billion is a lot less than $160-230 billion.

Wind energy is cheap, clean, flexible and fast to deploy. It keeps electricity rates down, supports distributed energy systems and local revenue sharing. Nuclear, on the other hand, is expensive, hazardous, and takes a very long time to build. It produces very expensive electricity, increases electricity bills, is centralized and rigid and relies on massive government supports.

A few years ago, the Premier of Quebec called wind energy, “a beautiful social project”. A few years ago, the Premier of Ontario declared, “If I could tear up every wind turbine in this province, I would.”

David Robertson is chair of the Ontario Project Working Group of SCAN!, where this post was first published.