Ontario Power Generation
Assuring the Future
Decommissioning Plan
Decommissioning refers to the storage and eventual dismantling of OPG nuclear facilities at the end of their operational lives. Our decommissioning procedures are based on proven technologies that have been successfully implemented in many countries.
Following the shutdown of a nuclear facility, decommissioning begins by removing fuel and heavy water from the reactors and rendering all systems safe. The facility is then stored and monitored for approximately 30 years as radiation levels decline significantly. Following the storage period, specially-trained workers remove all radioactive material and then dismantle the facility. The remaining structures are then demolished and the site made available for re-use.
Dedicated Funds for Long-Term Management
OPG recognizes that the cost of long-term nuclear waste management, and the cost of decommissioning, must not be passed on to future generations.
To ensure that money will be available when needed, OPG makes annual contributions into special segregated funds to pay for the long-term management of nuclear waste and station decommissioning. In compliance with government regulations, these funds may not be used for any other reasons.
The total future cost for the long-term management of nuclear waste from existing plants, and for their decommissioning, was about $8.5 billion in present value dollars at the beginning of 2006. The segregated funds at this time were valued at approximately $7.3 billion. OPG continues to make annual contributions of approximately $450 million dollars.
Research and International Cooperation
Around the world, the search for safe management techniques and disposal of nuclear waste has engaged thousands of scientists and involved billions of dollars in research.
OPG belongs to several international organizations concerned with nuclear waste, and has cooperative agreements with many countries that are in the forefront of nuclear waste research and development. These links facilitate the exchange of technical information, joint research and development activities, and in some instances the exchange of technical staff.
Brochure
Click below to download our Nuclear Waste Management Brochure.
EDRAM
Visit the Web site of the International Association for Environmentally Safe Disposal of Radioactive Material.