The Ontario government has approved Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to proceed with the $4.1 billion Project Definition Phase, which brings the total investment in it to date to $6.2 billion.
This is the next step toward refurbishing Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s “B” units to maintain power generation and employment, which according to Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification, Liberals had wanted to shut down.
In a social media post Lecce said, “A plan that will create 6K permanent good-paying jobs, power two-million homes, & lift Ontario’s GDP by $19B.” He added: “The Liberals wanted to shutter one of the best operating nuclear stations on earth, turning their backs on thousands workers and their families.”
The government is supporting OPG’s $4.1 billion budget for this phase, bringing the total investment to date to $6.2 billion. OPG will prepare a cost estimate and schedule for the project, conduct further engineering and procurement, and develop an execution plan. Planning is expected to align with the Darlington Refurbishment Project, which has remained within budget and ahead of schedule, said a provincial statement.
The government has authorized OPG to sign a $2.1 billion contract with CanAtom for engineering and procurement to support the Retube Feeder and Boiler Replacement Program, which is expected to employ more than 2,400 people, the statement said.
To power 2 million homes
Once refurbished, Pickering is expected to generate more than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, equivalent to powering two million homes, to meet demand from electrification and economic activity. Based on OPG’s preliminary schedule, the refurbishment is projected to be completed by the mid-2030s.
The Conference Board of Canada estimates the full refurbishment project would employ 11,000 people per year while contributing $19.4 billion to Ontario’s GDP over 11 years. Spending is expected to occur largely within Ontario, with approximately 90 percent remaining in the province. In addition to work performed by CanAtom, a joint venture of Aecon and AtkinsRéalis, the Retube Feeder and Boiler Replacement Program will involve BWXT Canada in Peterborough and Cambridge, Nutech in Arnprior, Cameco in Port Hope, and NWI Precision in Toronto, said the statement.
“Refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s ‘B’ units is a critical step toward securing affordable, reliable and clean energy for Ontario’s growing electricity needs while creating more good paying jobs,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge.
OPG has allocated $100 million for Indigenous companies over the life of the project. This is intended to provide employment and economic participation for First Nations near nuclear projects.
“The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station has supplied electricity across Ontario for more than 50 years.
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