Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce has announced the green light for Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to refurbish four nuclear reactors at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
This refurbishment will allow the facility to keep operating for up to 38 more years, creating over 30,000 jobs, new export opportunities, and a stronger economy as U. S tariffs continue to challenge Canadians.
“For more than 50 years, nuclear power has been the backbone of Ontario’s energy grid, with the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station as one of the best-performing and continuously operating nuclear stations in the world,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “To deliver on our major jobs plan to get Canadians working, extending the life of the facility will create jobs for tens of thousands of skilled workers while we build up the Ontario supply chain and keep 90 per cent of our project spend in this country. After the previous government’s attempt to shut down the facility, this refurbishment signals that we are doubling down on Canadian technology, Canadian workers and the Canadian supply chain to protect our economy from global instability.”
OPG plans to kick off the first phase of this project in early 2027, pending final licensing approvals from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Once it’s finished, this initiative is expected to generate up to 2,200 megawatts of electricity-enough to power around 2.2 million homes. The entire project should be completed by mid-2030.
The total budget for this undertaking stands at $26.8 billion, with over 90 percent being spent right here in Canada.
“By making this responsible investment into Pickering now, we ensure this clean energy workhorse will continue to power Ontario for future generations,” said Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO, OPG. “The expertise developed during Darlington’s refurbishment, together with the skilled Pickering team, ensures we are ready to deliver another complex nuclear project-on time, on budget, safely, and with quality.”
This refurbishment is also likely to secure a long-term supply of Cobalt-60-a medical isotope used in cancer treatments as well as sterilization processes for medical equipment and food products. The goal is to double isotope production in Ontario over four years.
“I am thrilled with this landmark announcement that secures the future of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station for generations to come,” said Kevin Ashe, Mayor of City of Pickering. “This critical refurbishment will deliver clean, reliable power; create thousands of good jobs; support local businesses; all while helping Ontario transition toward electrification and meeting energy demands in a growing province-and supporting cancer care globally.”
Upon completion of this project, ongoing operations at OPG will boost Canada’s GDP by $41.6 billion.
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