Pickering Nuclear Plant to Upgrade Four Reactors

The province has announced plans to create nearly 37,000 jobs by upgrading four CANDU reactors at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station from 2027 to 2030.

Energy Minister Stephen Lecce stated on Wednesday that this upgrade will prolong the facility’s operational life, allowing it to provide affordable, reliable, and clean energy for up to 38 years.

“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 Lecce.

“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% of our project spend in this country,” he added. “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.”

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The province claims that this work will open up more export opportunities, support well-paying jobs, and help build a more competitive and resilient economy despite U. S. tariffs.

Pending final licensing approvals from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), OPG (Ontario Power Generation) will kick off the Project Execution Phase to refurbish Pickering “B” units in early 2027, with completion expected by mid-decade.

INCREASED ELECTRICITY WILL POWER 2.2 MILLION HOMES

Once finished, Pickering will produce an increased capacity of up to 2,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity-enough to power about 2.2 million homes.

This project is projected to generate around 30,500 jobs during refurbishment while maintaining another 6,700 jobs throughout its operation.

With a final budget set at $26.8 billion, over 90% of project costs will be spent within Canada to benefit local businesses and foster economic growth across the province.

The Pickering “B” refurbishment is also anticipated to ensure a long-term supply of Cobalt -60-a vital medical isotope used in cancer therapies as well as sterilizing medical equipment and food products.

The government aims to double medical isotope production in Ontario over the next four years.

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