Pickering, Ontario: The Ontario government announced August 14 that it was supporting a plan by Ontario Power Generation to safely extend the life of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
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.
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. “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.”
OPG 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, following a “rigorous and transparent” process, including public hearings, as is normal for decisions on licensing of major nuclear facilities.
OPG notes that the plan was developed using data and analysis from the Independent Electricity System Operator on capacity needs and was incorporated into the IESO’s Annual Planning Outlook.