Ontario clears OPG plan to overhaul Pickering Nuclear units. (Credit: Ontario Power Generation Inc.)
The Ontario government has approved Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) plan to refurbish ageing Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s ‘B’ units (Units 5-8).
This Project Definition Phase is intended to secure more power and create thousands of jobs across the region.
Under the refurbishment plan, the government has authorised OPG to ink a $2.1bn contract with CanAtom for early engineering and procurement.
The refurbishment will prepare for the execution of the Retube Feeder and Boiler Replacement Program.
This project, intended to extend the plant’s life by 30 years, is expected to create around 2,400 jobs in Ontario.
Once refurbished, Pickering Nuclear Station will generate over 2GW of power, enough to supply electricity to over two million homes. The facility has five operating CANDU reactors.
The refurbishment is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, according to OPG’s preliminary schedule.
Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce said: “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is focused on delivering affordable energy, while we stand firm against the federal carbon tax.
“This refurbishment would protect those good paying jobs and provide the affordable and reliable power our province will need for decades to come.”
The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station began operations in 1971 and has not been expanded since 1986.
In December 2024, the electricity generation company completed the Project Initiation Phase for the Pickering refurbishment, including early engineering, design work, and securing long-lead components.
The project will involve several local companies, including CanAtom, a joint venture of Aecon and AtkinsRéalis, BWXT Canada, Nutech, Cameco, and NWI Precision.
Provincial government-owned OPG will proceed with the Project Definition Phase of the Pickering refurbishment, lasting through 2026.
The Ontario government is supporting OPG’s $4.1bn budget for this phase, bringing the total investment to $6.2bn.
During this phase, the electricity generation company will finalise cost estimates, schedules, engineering, procurement, and contracting.
According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), refurbishing Pickering offers better value for ratepayers compared to non-emitting generation alternatives.
OPG president and CEO Nicolle Butcher said: “Drawing on the shared experience of OPG, Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, labour unions and skilled tradespeople on the Darlington Refurbishment Project, we have set the stage for success as we prepare to refurbish Units 5-8 at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.”
The refurbishment is also subject to regulatory approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Canada’s federal nuclear regulator.
