Ontario Power Generation
Darlington Nuclear Refurbishment
OPG’s CANDU reactors are designed to provide decades of safe and reliable electricity generation. Mid-way through the reactor’s life, replacement of some of the key reactor and station components is required to allow for continued operation for approximately 30 additional years. This is called a refurbishment.
OPG is moving forward with plans for the mid-life refurbishment of the Darlington station. Planning for refurbishment is progressing well along two key avenues: the environmental and safety approvals process; and the station condition assessment and infrastructure development process.
Click on the animation below for a "Steps of Refurbishment" video which outlines the work OPG will undertake to refurbish the Darlington station.
Important Milestone for Darlington Refurbishment
On March 1, 2012, OPG in a joint venture with SNC-Lavalin Nuclear Inc. and Aecon Construction Group Inc. officially signed the Retube and Feeder Replacement (R&FR) contract, a significant step toward the refurbishment of the Darlington Nuclear Station. The R&FR contract covers some of the most critical work in the refurbishment of the four reactors, including the planning and execution of significant refurbishment activities, such as the removal and replacement of the 480 pressure tubes, calandria tubes and feeder pipes for each of the station’s four reactors. This work is required to extend the service life of Darlington Nuclear by 25 to 30 years. The contract also includes the development of specialized tooling, design and construction of a reactor mock-up for training purposes prior to refurbishment. Learn more about this facility, the Darlington Energy Complex.
The refurbishment of Darlington is part of Ontario’s long-term energy plan.
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Learn More About the Project
January 2012
December 2011
OPG breaks ground for the Darlington Energy Complex Darlington Energy Complex fact sheet March 2011Overview of refurbishment project February 2010Project Announcement February 2010Frequently Asked Questions |
Albert Sweetnam
Executive Vice President, Nuclear Projects
Our Refurbishment Team
Flip through a brochure to learn more about refurbishment at Darlington Nuclear.
Fact Sheets and Backgrounders
- OPG in the Clarington Energy Park Fact Sheet
- Nuclear Investment in Durham Fact Sheet
- Project Management Principles
- Components of Refurbishment
- Frequently Asked Questions