Toronto: Ontario government yesterday announced its support for a plan by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to safely extend the life of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station by a year.
Under its proposed plan, OPG will keep Pickering’s units 1 and 4 operating until the end of 2024 and units 5 to 8 operating until the end of 2025, allowing for the safe, sequential shutdown of all units.
OPG now requires approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for its revised schedule. The final decision regarding the safe operating life of the Pickering site will be made by the CNSC, which employs a rigorous and transparent process, including public hearings for decisions on licensing of major nuclear facilities.
The update will provide electricity consumers with emission-free, low-cost energy and allow 4,500 high-quality jobs to remain in Durham region longer, said an Ontario government statement.
“The safe operation of Ontario’s nuclear assets is our top priority,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. “I’m pleased that OPG has developed an innovative proposal that will provide Ontarians with emission-free, low cost energy, and keep highly-skilled Ontarians working in their communities longer.”
OPG informed the government that ongoing testing demonstrates the plant is safe to operate beyond its previously scheduled shutdown date of 2024 and the continued improved performance at the plant provides value to electricity consumers. In December 2019, Pickering was given an exemplary performance rating from the World Association of Nuclear Operators.
“Our extensive analysis has shown that we can safely and reliably operate Pickering until the end of 2025 and provide a solid benefit to the ratepayer,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO. “I want to recognize every one of the Pickering staff for their commitment to safety and for their role in improving performance year over year. The station’s performance is better than ever and Ontario electricity users will continue to benefit from clean and stable baseload power for several more years.”
Quick Facts
OPG employs approximately 4,500 staff to support ongoing operation at its Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. In total, there are about 7,500 jobs across Ontario related to the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station currently provides enough power to meet the needs of a city of 1.5 million people.
Under this proposal, all nuclear generation at Pickering would end in 2025.
The plan was developed using data and analysis from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) on capacity needs and was incorporated into its Annual Planning Outlook.
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