The Ontario government revealed on Tuesday that it intends to upgrade the aging Pickering nuclear generating station, ensuring the plant remains operational for at least another 30 years.
This announcement comes as electricity demand in Ontario is expected to surge significantly in the coming decades. Additionally, all provinces are facing federal clean electricity regulations mandating that future power plants achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
Energy Minister Todd Smith declared the Ford government’s backing of Ontario’s Power Generation’s (OPG) initiative to refurbish the power plant.
“Our province still needs this station and its workers,” Smith stated during a news conference held outside the nuclear facility.
“And this refurbishment, which is essentially a comprehensive update of four of the generators, will have a significant impact once fully completed.”
The four nuclear units set for refurbishment are all Candu reactors from the early 1980s, collectively referred to as Pickering B. This upgrade is expected to provide 2,000 megawatts of power, similar to what these existing units currently generate.
WATCH | Energy minister on province’s move to refurbish nuclear plant:
Pickering nuclear plant expected to be fully refurbished by mid-2030s: Energy minister
The Ontario government has outlined plans for refurbishing the Pickering nuclear generating station, with project completion anticipated by the mid-2030s. According to Energy Minister Todd Smith, this refurbishment will extend the plant’s operational life for at least another 30 years and create thousands of new jobs.
The announcement indicates that this refurbishment will span 11 years, generate around 11,000 jobs annually and boost Ontario’s GDP by $19.4 billion; however, it does not disclose the overall budget for the project.
A similar upgrade involving four units at nearby Darlington nuclear station is already more than halfway through completion with a total budget set at $12.8 billion.
“With global businesses looking to grow in regions with dependable, affordable and clean electricity, an upgraded Pickering Nuclear Generating Station would help Ontario attract more significant investments,” Smith mentioned in his statement.
“Refurbishing Pickering would create thousands of new jobs while delivering at least another three decades of safe and reliable electricity needed for major international investments as well as residential growth and industrial electrification.”
This plan still requires approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Currently, Pickering produces about 14 percent of Ontario’s electricity supply; however, its operating license for these four units expires at year-end.
The commission is reviewing a previous request from OPG seeking an extension on Pickering B’s existing operating license until 2026. This timeline would allow continued energy generation until shutdown occurs for refurbishment if granted approval.
Ontario’s Major Nuclear Initiatives
The announcement regarding Pickering represents just one part of Ontario’s broader strategy aimed at what could become Canada’s largest expansion of nuclear energy production ever undertaken.
Last summer saw plans introduced aiming nearly double output at Bruce Power-the world’s largest nuclear generating facility-while also revealing intentions to add three additional small modular reactors (SMRs) alongside one already planned at Darlington; together they’re projected to provide enough power for 1.2 million homes.
Ontario has been considering upgrading Pickering since last year when OPG submitted its feasibility study last summer.
Mike Schreiner , leader of Ontario Green Party , criticized Tuesday ’ s move , asserting that the government ’ s plan will increase electric costs while neglecting lower-cost clean alternatives. p >
“ Instead of attracting jobs and investment in low-cost renewables , Ford government is making Ontario grid dirtier and more expensive by prioritizing fossil gas plants along with costly underperforming Pickering plant,” Shriner said in a statement. p >
Ontario Power Generation and provincial government will refurbish Pickering Nuclear Generating Station , subject to approval of Cana da ‘ s nuclear safety regulator , announced Tuesday. (Mike Crawley / CBC ) p >
“ The best way to protect consumers , economy , and climate in Ontario is to invest in low-cost renewables alongside ambitious efficiency programs helping Ontarians save money through energy savings. p >
“ Anything else will only put Ontario behind while rest of world embraces clean energy future.” p >
The Ford administration asserts that expanding nuclear power is crucial due to upcoming shifts towards electric vehicles within auto sector ; transition away from coal-fired furnaces in steel industry ; coupled with rising population creating gap between projected electric demand against available supply. p >
Attracting large international automakers – like Volkswagen or Stellantis – who wish to manufacture EVs or batteries here relies partly upon fact approximately ninety percent offered electric sources stems from non-fossil fuel methods. p >WATCH | Here’s what it looks like inside a nuclear power plant:
Here ’ s what it looks like inside a nuclear power plant p >Pickering Nuclear Generating Station stands among world’ s biggest facilities. CBC’ s Mike Crawley received rare access tour restricted from public view.
Currently slightly over half electrical needs served by nuclear plants across Ont ario ; quarter supplied hydro dams followed combined output from gas-fired plants plus wind farms making up remaining portion.
A provincial official shared estimate regarding complete cost related To pick ering refurbishment ought To come after year-long initiation phase wraps up along with design work being finalized.
OPG budgets $2 billion allocated specifically toward initial stage funded via debt repaid later using revenue earned once construction brings forth generated powe r.
Some groups support ; others oppose initiative.
Chris Keefer serves as Toronto emergency physician/p resident representing Canadians For Nuclear Energy mentions impacts caused should pick er ing not receive upgrades harming environment since replacement energy sourced via gas-fired plants.
“ I’m ecstatic; I think this [refurbishment] really matters,” Keefer expressed during an interview. “ This signifies great progress relating climate situation! Plus air quality too!”
As Ont ario plans expand its n uclear capacity added pro jects aim improving gas availability throughout various spots such Toronto/ Brampton/ Napanee locations directly included here too!
Comparing capacities shows pick ering B matches capabilities seen within OPG hyd ro facilities located Niagara River area saying quite extraordinary amount needing replaced says Keefer!
Part control room running units five through eight designated undergoing updates under provincial scheme ! Aging pick er ing remains oldest functioning Canadian n uclear site ! (Mike Crawley/CBC)
Conversely Angela Bischoff serving director role ontar io Clean Air Alliance voiced opposition against current decision made stating refurbi sh ment step taken represents incorrect direction!
In press release Miss Bischoff stated consider choosing outdated reactor surrounded numerous inhabitants residing close proximity considered high risk locati on compared other North American stations!
Her message included concerns stemming deadly radioactive waste stored common warehouses situated lakeside shores endang e ring local drinking water supplies thus waste disposal solutions remain unresolved hence any further time lapses won’t change prospects long-term viability options disappearing quickly! “ p>“<P CLA SS "= PAR AGRAP H "-B-99-XHTML–PARA GRAP HIOML==" DIR "=" LTR==="" Focusing emphasis supposed enhance sustainability amid transitioning towards tripling wind solar potentials benefit systems yielding eco-friendly surplus without polluting risks present!" she concluded urging residents seek transparency concerning full financial facets tied project implementations."
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