Ontario Supports Continued Safe Operation of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission approves continued safe operation of the station
On Friday, October 12, 2024, Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, issued the following statement in response to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s approval for the continued safe operation of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s “B” units through December 2026.
“The data is clear, Ontario needs more power to meet growing energy demands. We have long believed that the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is essential to Ontario’s energy expansion plan, which is why we welcome the approval to extend the operation of one of the country’s best run generating stations and a critical source of affordable and non-emitting power for two million homes.
This approval is a powerful endorsement of the skill and dedication of the 4,500 workers at this station and its proven track-record of producing reliable and affordable electricity.
The continued operation of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station will allow for the safe production of reliable, affordable and clean power we need, as well as life-saving medical isotopes to combat cancer. Our government will continue to advance Ontario’s nuclear advantage as we keep costs down for families across Ontario.”
Additional Resources
- Ontario Power Generation (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’s “B” units produce 2,000 MW of power, equivalent to powering 2 million homes.
- In 2023 the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station recorded its highest generation output since 2019 and its second-highest output ever as a six-unit station.
- In September 2022 the government announced that OPG had reviewed their operational plans and concluded that the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station could continue to safely generate electricity through 2026.
- In June 2023 OPG submitted an application to amend the operating licence of the station to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
- In January 2024 the government announced its support for OPG’s plan to proceed with the next steps toward refurbishing Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s “B” units (units 5-8).
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love