On December 21, 2018, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) issued the detailed Record of Decision, including the Commission’s reasons for decision for the renewal of Ontario Power Generation Inc.’s Nuclear Power Reactor Operating Licence for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS).
A CANDU reactor calandria. Source: www.nuclearfaq.ca
The decision was issued following a two-part public hearing held on April 4, 2018, in Ottawa, Ontario, and from June 25 to 29, 2018, in Pickering, Ontario. On August 8, 2018, the Commission had announced through a Summary Record of Decision its decision to renew OPG’s licence to operate the PNGS from September 1, 2018 until August 31, 2028. The Commission also authorized OPG to operate PNGS Units 5 to 8 up to a maximum of 295,000 equivalent full power hours.
The Commission emphasizes that its decision in this matter is based on OPG’s stated intent to cease commercial operations at the PNGS on December 31, 2024. This would be followed by post-shutdown activities and a stabilization stage until 2028. Through its decision, the Commission makes it clear that commercial operation of any PNGS reactor unit beyond 2024 would require authorization from the Commission.
In making its decision, the Commission considered submissions from OPG and from 155 intervenors, as well as CNSC staff’s recommendations.
OPG will present a comprehensive mid-term update on its licensed activities at the PNGS by 2023. This mid-term update will take place during a public Commission meeting in the vicinity of the community that hosts the PNGS, at which Indigenous groups, members of the public and stakeholders will have the opportunity to intervene.
The Record of Decision is available upon request by contacting the CNSC Secretariat and will be published on the CNSC website in both official languages at a later date. Hearing transcripts can be obtained on the CNSC website or by contacting the CNSC. The hearing webcast is available on the same site.