The Ontario government has thrown its support behind Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) ambitious plan to refurbish the “B” units (units 5-8) of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. This major refurbishment project, costing $2 billion, is set to elevate Pickering’s capacity to a whopping 2,000 megawatts (MW), enough to power two million homes. This initiative marks a significant stride in meeting the burgeoning demand for electrification and fueling the province’s economic growth.

Todd Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Energy, emphasized the project’s importance in making Ontario a competitive location for global business expansion. He stressed that the refurbished Pickering Nuclear Generating Station would generate thousands of new jobs while providing over 30 years of safe, clean, and reliable electricity. This ambitious project aligns with Ontario’s vision of attracting major international investments and supporting the province’s growing housing and industrial sectors.

OPG will kick off the Project Initiation Phase, extending through the end of 2024, with the government backing the $2 billion budget for this phase. This phase includes crucial engineering and design work, as well as the procurement of long-lead components requiring years of manufacturing. Additionally, OPG and its business partners are focusing on potential Indigenous engagement opportunities, including contracting, employment, and other economic benefits linked to the project.

Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge, acknowledged the rapid growth of Ontario’s population and the corresponding surge in demand for clean and affordable energy. He outlined the province’s strategies for expanding generation capacity, including Canada’s largest clean energy storage procurement and the expansion of energy efficiency programs.

Based on OPG’s preliminary schedule, the refurbishment is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. According to the Conference Board of Canada’s analysis, this project could boost Ontario’s GDP by $19.4 billion over 11 years and create approximately 11,000 jobs annually. Post-refurbishment operations are also expected to sustain about 6,410 jobs yearly for decades.

Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO, praised the Pickering Nuclear team for their commitment to safety and performance. He highlighted OPG’s successful experience with the Darlington refurbishment, which will be instrumental in ensuring Pickering meets the growing electricity demands of Ontario.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) concluded that the Pickering refurbishment offers better overall value for ratepayers compared to non-emitting generation alternatives. This decision also considers Pickering’s operational excellence and the thriving economy’s impact on electricity demand in Ontario.

The refurbishment is subject to approval by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), ensuring a rigorous and transparent process. Ontario’s electricity system is among the world’s cleanest, with approximately 90% of the province’s electricity generation coming from non-emitting sources in 2022. Nuclear power has been a key component of Ontario’s electricity system since the 1960s, offering affordable baseload power with zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The Ontario government’s commitment to refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is a forward-thinking move that signifies the province’s dedication to sustainable energy solutions. This project not only reinforces the role of nuclear power in Ontario’s energy mix but also highlights the potential of nuclear energy in contributing to the global shift towards cleaner, more efficient power sources. The economic and employment benefits from this refurbishment underscore the broader impact of such projects on regional development and job creation.

  Canada, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Ken Hartwick, Ontario, Ontario Power Generation, Peter Bethlenfalvy, Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, Todd Smith