Ontario Energy Era (OPG) has acquired approval from the Canadian Nuclear Security Fee (CNSC) to increase the operation of Pickering models 5 to eight till December 31, 2026. This determination permits the models to stay in operation till they’re taken offline for refurbishment.
Submissions from OPG, CNSC workers, and 54 intervenors throughout a public listening to in June 2024 in Pickering have been thought-about by the CNSC earlier than granting the extension. Initially, OPG was approved to function the models till December 31 of this 12 months, with a most restrict of 295,000 equal full energy hours (EFPH). The modified license will increase this restrict to 305,000 EFPH and requires OPG to implement an enhanced fitness-for-service program.
The Pickering Nuclear Producing Station consists of two reactor services with a complete of eight Candu reactor models. Models 5-8, typically known as Pickering B, started operation between 1983 and 1986. Models 1 and 4, a part of the four-unit Pickering A plant which was first commissioned within the early Nineteen Seventies and was shut down in 1997, underwent refurbishment earlier than returning to service in 2003 (unit 4) and in 2005 (unit 1).
Unit 1 was taken offline on September 30 as deliberate and can now be dewatered and positioned in secure storage. Unit 4 may also be taken offline by the top of December, whereas OPG continues to plan the refurbishment of models 5-8.
The CNSC’s determination will assist meet Ontario’s rising electrical energy demand, notably as different nuclear stations within the province endure refurbishment, OPG mentioned.
“This is another great milestone for Pickering Nuclear and all our station staff, who have worked hard to help Pickering achieve some of its best performance in its history in recent years,” mentioned Steve Gregoris, OPG’s Chief Nuclear Officer.
Plans to refurbish models 5-8 have been formalized earlier this 12 months when the provincial authorities introduced its help for the challenge. OPG’s timeline envisions placing your complete station right into a “layup state” in 2026 in order that refurbishment actions can start. All 4 refurbished reactors shall be again on-line by the mid-2030s.
Moreover, OPG is presently refurbishing 4 Candu models at its Darlington website, aiming to finish the challenge by 2026, and can be planning to construct as much as 4 BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs) at its Darlington New Nuclear challenge.
Implications for the vitality sector
The extension of the operation of Pickering models 5-8 ensures continuity in nuclear vitality manufacturing in Ontario, a vital factor for the steadiness of the province’s energy grid. This determination comes at a time when the renewal of vitality infrastructure is crucial to satisfy the rising want for clear and sustainable vitality.
Renovation and technological innovation
OPG’s refurbishment tasks embody the combination of superior applied sciences to reinforce reactor effectivity and security. The implementation of BWRX-300 SMRs on the Darlington website represents a major step towards modular and versatile vitality options, tailor-made to at this time’s market necessities.
Financial and environmental impression
The continued operation of the Pickering models additionally contributes to the native financial system by sustaining jobs and supporting nuclear-related service suppliers. Environmentally, nuclear vitality stays a low-carbon supply, aligned with the province’s greenhouse fuel discount targets.
Future outlook
With the refurbishment of the Pickering and Darlington models, OPG is positioning itself as a key participant in Ontario’s vitality transition. Continued efforts in innovation and refurbishment will guarantee dependable and sustainable vitality manufacturing for many years to return.
