The has revealed the signing of contracts exceeding CAD3 billion (USD2.1 billion) for the refurbishment of four units at Ontario Power Generation’s Pickering plant as construction work on the site begins.
Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Pickering units 5 to 8, collectively known as Pickering B, will be taken offline by the end of September to allow refurbishment to officially start in January 2027, pending final regulatory approval. This significant project will involve replacing 1,520 fuel channels, 48 boilers and constructing a 1.5-kilometre deep-water intake. Once refurbished, the station is expected to generate up to 2,200 MW of power.
As construction commenced on September 21, the Province of Ontario announced that it has awarded a CAD1.7 billion contract for the Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement (RFBR) phase for Pickering unit 5 to a joint venture between Aecon Group Inc and Candu Energy, an Atkins Réalis company. Additionally, a consortium formed by Aecon and Siemens Energy Canada received a CAD1.3 billion contract for Turbine Generator Replacement. Overall, this refurbishment project is projected to add CAD41.6 billion to Canada’s GDP.
The Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement work is essential within the Pickering refurbishment effort and includes tasks such as replacing steam generators, fuel channels and feeders. This contract encompasses engineering design services, project execution as well as management related to CANDU reactors that would ensure Unit 5 can operate into the 2060s according to Atkins Réalis. Similar upgrades are planned for units 6, 7 and 8 in later stages of this refurbishment project.
The scope of Turbine Generator Replacement involves installing new steam turbine rotors alongside overhauling four generators (including stator rewinds), along with supplying new auxiliary systems plus control and monitoring systems. Aecon holds majority interest in this partnership with Siemens and will manage construction services as well as material procurement.
Both projects are approaching completion in terms of collaborative development work with additional necessary preparations expected to kick off this month according to Aecon.
“Advancing the Pickering Nuclear Refurbishment Project marks another key milestone in Ontario’s clean energy future while showcasing Aecon’s extensive nuclear construction expertise,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, President and CEO of Aecon Group. “Building on decades of successful delivery on some of North America’s largest nuclear projects our teams take pride in supporting OPG in extending the life span of this vital nuclear generating station while ensuring reliable low-carbon electricity supply for Ontario.”
“Atkins Réalis brings years of hands-on experience refurbishing Canadian-owned CANDU reactors here in Ontario backed by a solid track record in executing complex life-extension projects safely within budget,” commented Ian Edwards President & CEO at Atkins Réalis. “This work at Pickering Station will help guarantee that Ontario continues enjoying dependable affordable low-carbon electricity well into future generations.”
Pickering units 5-8 started operating back in the mid-1980s with their retirement initially planned for this year; however, due to directives from provincial government OPG was instructed instead keep them running until at least 2026 while re-evaluating feasibility regarding refurbishing these units specifically starting January next year when they were authorized also moving onto initial phases leading towards execution plans confirmed last November allowing clearance now onward toward actual implementation steps involved ahead.
Historically speaking OPG notes that over time Pickering Nuclear has routinely satisfied approximately up-to fourteen percent share contributing towards meeting overall electricity demands across entire province per their assessments reflected by Nicolle Butcher who serves there currently as President & CEO emphasizing since initiation all those years ago marked out beginning operations initiated commencing back during early seventies reaffirming its stature now recognized among one world’s largest high-performing facilities today too – “Through its refurbishment we shall guarantee continued functionality serving crucially powering Ontarians long-term.” Similarly noting eventual shutting down fully comes through final unit four concluding operations slated closure end twenty-four calendar year period mentioned previously above throughout aforementioned narrative discussed herein surrounding context provided thoroughly already established thus far effectively captured here.
“When previous administration decided upon shutting down arrangements made regarding broader structural considerations then current government chose instead safeguard existing jobs generated protecting livelihood options available creating even more new roles promoting local workforce initiatives enhancing overall economic growth potential locally,” stated Stephen Lecce Minister overseeing Energy & Mines department tasked addressing energy policy matters here locally serving constituents faithfully throughout developments occurred recently leading us forward together positively engaged jointly tackling challenges faced ahead.”
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