Hydro-Québec mulls reviving province's nuclear reactor, 10 years after shutdown

In its quest to increase electricity production in Quebec, Hydro-Québec is contemplating a move back to nuclear power.

In its quest to increase electricity production in Quebec, Hydro-Québec is contemplating a move back to nuclear power.

The government-run utility confirmed Thursday that it is considering the revival of Gentilly-2, the province's only nuclear power plant, which was shut down in 2012.

"An assessment of the plant's current condition is underway," a Hydro-Québec spokesperson said in a statement.

The company says it's hoping to "inform our thinking on Quebec's future energy supply," considering it's globally analyzing the various options for increasing electricity production to decarbonize Quebec.

"Given the anticipated situation of energy in Quebec in the next few years, it would be irresponsible at this time to exclude certain energy sources and premature to draw any conclusions," the spokesperson, Maxence Huard-Lefebvre, said.