Ontario Power Generation

Overview

Pickering B Refurbishment Study

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario just east of Toronto, in the City of Pickering, is one of the world’s largest nuclear generating facilities – Pickering Nuclear. The Pickering B Nuclear Generating Station has four CANDU reactors which have been producing electricity for more than 25 years. The units could be shut down at the end of their predicted service lives, or could be refurbished and continue to produce electricity for Ontario. Refurbishing Pickering B would extend its service life by replacing major components such as feeder tubes, fuel channels and/or steam generators, among other things.

What's New??

Updates on what's happening with the Pickering B Refurbishment Study can be found here. And while you're here, we'd like to hear from you. To give us your comments or send us your questions, e-mail pickeringb@opg.com.

OPG moves to planning phase of Darlington refurbishment
OPG has announced a two-part investment strategy for its nuclear generating stations in Durham Region; Pickering B to enter final decade of operation with a $200-million investment. The estimated cost for the continued operation of Pickering B is approximately $200 million. (The original $300 million figure provided at the time of the announcement was a conservative estimate that provided an upper bound on the potential costs.)

Pickering B Nuclear Safety Review demonstrates strong safety case
OPG has completed the final Integrated Safety Review (ISR) report for the Pickering B station. The report concludes the existing Pickering B station demonstrates a high level of compliance with modern codes and standards. Read a synopsis of the ISR report.

CSNC accepts Pickering B Refurbishment EA
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) review of Pickering B's Environmental Assessment concludes that refurbishment and continued operations of Pickering B is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the identified mitigation measures.

OPG pleased with CNSC decision on Pickering B EA
The CNSC decision reflects the results of the comprehensive environmental impact study that was concluded in an open and transparent manner.

Get Involved
Review the latest council update on the project.

Since 2006, OPG has been undertaking a very thorough analysis of the environmental, safety and economic impacts associated with potentially refurbishing Pickering B. In early 2009, OPG’s regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, accepted the Pickering B Environmental Assessment, citing it was not likely to cause significant adverse environmental impacts given available mitigation measures.

While the decision on the EA is one input to the ultimate decision on whether to refurbish Pickering B, the process for a decision continues.

OPG has also completed the Integrated Safety Review (ISR) of the plant. The review involves the assessment of the current state of the plant and plant performance to identify any factors that would limit safe long-term operation. The ISR was submitted to the CNSC on September 25, 2009. Another key consideration will be the financial impacts of refurbishment.

Through the refurbishment study we will develop an objective, fact-driven business case, which will lead to a decision by the OPG Board of Directors. We will take into consideration the cost, scheduling and scope of work, operating costs, production levels and the future pricing of electrical power. These factors will help the OPG Board of Directors reach a sound business decision.