of Ontario has revealed the signing of over CAD3 billion (USD2.1 billion) in contracts for the upgrade of four units at Ontario Power Generation’s Pickering plant, as preparations for the project kick off.
Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Pickering units 5 to 8 – collectively referred to as Pickering B – are set to be taken offline by the end of September for refurbishment work, which is expected to officially commence 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 will provide up to 2,200 MW of power.
As site construction began on September 21, the Province of Ontario announced that a CAD1.7 billion contract for the execution phase of the Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement (RFBR) for Pickering 5 was awarded to a joint venture between Aecon Group Inc and Candu Energy, part of Atkins Réalis. Additionally, a consortium formed by Aecon and Siemens Energy Canada received a CAD1.3 billion contract for Turbine Generator Replacement work. Overall, this refurbishment initiative is projected to add CAD41.6 billion to Canada’s GDP.
The scope of work under the Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement is crucial for the overall refurbishment project at Pickering and includes replacing steam generators alongside fuel channels and feeders. The contract encompasses engineering and design services along with project management linked to CANDU reactors; it aims to enable Unit 5’s operation through until the 2060s, according to Atkins Réalis. Similar upgrades will follow on units 6, 7, and 8 in later stages of this refurbishment effort.
The Turbine Generator Replacement entails installing 14 new steam turbine rotors and overhauling four generators (which includes stator rewinds), as well as providing new auxiliary systems along with an upgraded control and monitoring system. Aecon holds a majority share in this partnership with Siemens while offering construction services and material procurement.
Both projects are now close to wrapping up initial collaborative development efforts; more prerequisite tasks are anticipated to begin this month according to Aecon.
“Advancing the Pickering Nuclear Refurbishment Project marks another major milestone towards Ontario’s clean energy future while showcasing Aecon’s extensive nuclear construction capabilities,” stated Jean-Louis Servranckx, President and CEO of Aecon Group. “With decades spent successfully completing North America’s largest nuclear projects under our belt, we’re proud our teams can assist OPG in extending this important nuclear facility’s lifespan while ensuring reliable low-carbon electricity supply for Ontario.”
“Atkins Réalis offers years of hands-on experience refurbishing Canadian-owned CANDU reactors in Ontario; we have consistently delivered complex life-extension tasks safely while meeting budget expectations,” said Ian Edwards, President and CEO at Atkins Réalis. “The work being done at Pickering station will help guarantee that Ontario continues benefiting from dependable yet affordable low-carbon power well into the future.”
Pickering units 5-8 started operations during the mid-1980s but were initially scheduled to cease electricity generation this year; however, back in 2022 provincial authorities instructed OPG keep them running until at least 2026 while reevaluating their refurbishment potential. In January 2024 OPG received government authorization allowing them start preliminary phases related specifically designed around upgrading these units-then one year later they gained permission initiating definition phase plans resulting ultimately getting formal approval from Ontario’s government regarding OPG’s refurb plan clearing path toward execution stage beginning operations.
Over time since inception back when first unit launched way back ’71 -O PG confirms that throughout its operational history-Pickering Nuclear has provided nearly fourteen percent worth total electric needs province-wide according official statistics shared. Nicolle Butcher president & CEO remarked : “Having established itself among world’s largest high-performing nuclear facilities , we intend make sure its vital role powering Ontarians remains intact following enhancements made.” The last remaining unit operating under original design was permanently shut down late ‘24 per guidelines specified.
“When previous administration planned shutting down operations altogether here at Pickerring my office decided instead protect existing jobs amounting roughly forty-five hundred roles additionally creating thirty thousand five hundred new positions emphasizing need retaining skilled labor force alongside developing technologies ensuring sovereignty pertaining domestic energy sources.” said Stephen Lecce-the current Minister overseeing Energy & Mines sector within province. He continued adding “Today represents national achievement kicking off Canada’s most extensive clean infrastructure endeavor reinforcing locally sourced nuclear supply chains.”
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