CALGARY — Energy Alberta Corporation has chosen Peace River, Alta., as the site for its proposed $6.2 billion nuclear power plant.

The site is on private land next to Lac Cardinal, about 30 kilometres west of Peace River, the company said in a release Monday night.

"We are proud to be pioneers in bringing the benefits of clean, safe, reliable nuclear power to Alberta,'' said Wayne Henuset, president and chairman of Energy Alberta.

The company had also looked at Whitecourt, Alta., as its possible site. But it delayed its decision three weeks ago when Woodlands County withdrew its letter of support for the facility after 300 residents signed a petition saying they wanted more information. Last week, Woodlands County said it would also hold a plebiscite for residents to vote on the proposed plant.

"Energy Alberta has chosen the Peace River region as its preferred site because of the demonstrated support from the community, existence of essential infrastructure and support services and technical feasibility,'' the release said.

The privately owned company has filed an application for a licence to prepare the site with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

The application is for siting up two, twin-unit Candu reactors. The company has partnered with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., the federal Crown corporation that makes Candu reactors, and says it has lined up financing and clients.

Energy Alberta says it plans to start with one twin unit that will produce 2,200 megawatts of electricity with a target start date in early 2017.

Henuset said the application is just one of many steps required to get the licences to build the plant.

He said there will also be environmental, health and safety assessments and public consultations.

Peace River Mayor Lorne Mann said in the release the announcement has "given our region an opportunity for a more vibrant, exciting and sustainable future.''

"We understand that this is just the beginning of a lengthy process and we welcome the chance to become more informed on nuclear energy.''