The Ontario government has given the green light to the next stage in a plan to refurbish the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station “B” units. Proposed by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), the Project Definition phase is a $4.1 billion project expected to span through the next decade.
The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is one of the world’s largest nuclear facilities, generating around 14% of Ontario’s electricity. Officials hope that the refurbishment will help Ontario meet the needs of a rapidly growing population—by current estimates, the province will see a 75% increase in energy needs by 2050. In addition to creating power, the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station will also produce Cobalt-60 isotopes used in medical equipment sterilization and cancer treatments.
OPG has obtained government authorization to sign a $2.1 billion contract with CanAtom, a joint venture of AECON and AtkinsRéalis. The nuclear engineering company will be responsible for early work, including engineering, procurement of long-lead components, and planning the construction of the retube, feeder, and boiler replacement of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station units 5-8. This early-stage work with CanAtom will create 2,400 jobs.
In a statement, Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce said, “The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station has powered cities and towns across Ontario with affordable, reliable, and zero-emissions electricity for more than 50 years, supporting thousands of jobs in the process. This refurbishment would protect those good paying jobs and provide the affordable and reliable power our province will need for decades to come.”
According to the Conference Board of Canada, the project is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. The refurbishments and increased capacity will create approximately 11,000 jobs annually and contribute $19.4 billion to the Ontario economy. The project takes an Ontario-first approach, supporting local industries, communities, and economies by ensuring that 90% of the refurbishment parts and materials are sourced from within the province.
The Ontario government will contribute a total of $6.2 billion to the refurbishment of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station through its investment in this project phase. OPG will also spend $100 million with Indigenous companies during the refurbishment project’s lifespan to ensure economic benefits are shared with First Nations communities hosting the project.
The project requires approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission before proceeding.
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