2024 Community Power Expo recap
In September, we welcomed more than 3,200 visitors from across the province to our 2024 OPG Community Power Expo.
Visitors explored the Darlington Energy Complex, took a bus tour around the Darlington site, explored our new immersive virtual reality and engaged in conversations with many of our incredible community partners. Interactive experiences included tours of our full-scale nuclear reactor mock-up, Chi the robotic dog and static electricity demos with the Ontario Science Centre and their iconic Van de Graaff Generator.
From nuclear and hydro power to energy storage and electric mobility, this family-friendly event provided visitors with the opportunity to learn how OPG is electrifying life in one generation. Our communities also came together to donate a remarkable 200 pounds of food and hundreds of dollars in monetary donations to Feed the Need Durham, providing upwards of 767 meals for those in need throughout the Durham Region.
Annual DRPS Food and Toy Drive
There is an increased need for support in our community, especially for food as local food banks have seen a decrease in donations due to higher food costs. The annual Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Food and Toy Drive provides families in need with essentials during the holiday season.
The DRPS Food and Toy Drive is one of the many ways OPG gives back to the community and each year OPG employees generously participate and donate.
Darlington Unit 1 Return to Service
OPG has achieved a major milestone, safely and successfully reconnecting Darlington Nuclear Generating Station’s (DNGS) Unit 1 back to Ontario’s electricity grid, five months ahead of schedule. Unit 1 is now the third of four DNGS units OPG and its project partners have completely refurbished. The overall project is tracking on-time and on-budget for its 2026 completion.
Early completion of this work is a testament to the people involved in this refurbishment: the project team, including OPG employees, our contract partners, industry experts and skilled tradespeople.
Darlington Refurbishment is a $12.8 billion clean energy project that began in 2016 after nearly a decade of planning and preparation. OPG and its partners have leveraged
Ontario’s robust nuclear supply chain and approximately 96 per cent of project costs are being spent in the province. In addition, the project has created an average of 14,200 jobs annually across the province.
Darlington Nuclear planning for a bright future
OPG has submitted an application for DNGS renewal of its operating licence, which expires on November 30, 2025. OPG requests a 30-year licence renewal from December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2055.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will hold a two-part public hearing on March 26, 2025, and June 24–26, 2025 to consider OPG’s application. The application highlights the stations strong performance and significant achievements during the current licence term.
The DNGS is recognized amongst the top-performing nuclear power stations in the world. For more than 30 years, DNGS has been a safe, reliable and important source of energy for the Province of Ontario, while meeting the growing need for clean electricity.
How can I participate?
Stay tuned for more information on how you can participate in the licence renewal process through upcoming public information sessions by visiting opg.com/durham. For more information, visit the CNSC webpage at www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Work continues on Clarington’s clean energy project
Site work continues at the future site of four grid-scale Small Modular Reactors (SMR) at the Darlington Nuclear site, the only location in Canada licensed for a new nuclear build. The first SMR is expected to be operational by the end of 2029, pending regulatory approval, with three additional units operating by the mid-2030s. The total output of the four-unit fleet, once in service, would be 1,200 megawatts; enough electricity to power about 1.2 million homes. The Darlington New Nuclear site is bustling with activity, taking place under the current Site Preparation Licence issued by our regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Work under this licence includes earth moving, which you may have seen when passing by the site on highway 401, installation of services and the construction of support buildings. This work is being done by E.S. Fox, Voyageur Services and Bowmanville-based company Boyle.
As the next step in the regulatory process, OPG has applied to the CNSC for a Licence to Construct (LTC) the first of the four planned SMRs. During a two-part public hearing, the first of which was held in October, the CNSC will consider OPG’s application and hear from Indigenous Nations and Communities and members of the public. Part two will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at the Ajax Convention Centre (with both an in-person and virtual option).
Find us in the community
Our team has been busy throughout the fall and winter attending community events across Durham Region to answer your questions and discuss our operations and projects. For upcoming events, visit www.opg.com/newnuclear
Energizing the Future of Pickering
Earlier this year, OPG received approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to operate Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s (PNGS) Units 5 to 8 to the end of 2026. This will allow PNGS to provide safe, reliable power as Ontario’s other nuclear stations complete their ongoing refurbishments.
When Units 5 to 8 end commercial operations in 2026, they will be prepared for refurbishment, pending regulatory approval.
Many community groups, individuals and stakeholders participated in the hearing process through thoughtful written submissions and oral presentations. This helped to provide the CNSC with their views on Pickering operations within its host community.
As we look forward to an exciting future, planning for the refurbishment of Pickering Nuclear’s Units 5 to 8, we will continue to put our neighbours and the residents of Durham Region first while generating safe, reliable energy.
For more information about PNGS, please opg.com/pickering.
A New Milestone for Pickering
On October 1, PNGS reached a significant milestone in its operations when Unit 1 was removed from service and placed in safe storage. Pickering’s Unit 1 has been safely and reliably generating energy for our communities for decades. This would not have been possible without the thousands of workers who have been dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and low-carbon electricity. Our next milestone will come at the end of the year when Unit 4 will be removed from service. Pickering now has five operating units, producing 2,600 MW total output and contributes 11 per cent of Ontario’s electricity.
March Break Blitz
OPG’s Darlington and Pickering stations have been providing high quality and well attended March break programs for over 15 years. Be sure to mark your calendars as our team will be providing a series of fun, free and educational activities from March 10-14, 2025, throughout the Durham Region.
Be sure to mark your calendars as our team will be providing a series of fun, free and educational activities from March 10-14, 2025, throughout the Durham Region.
Information Centre Art Display
Beyond electricity generation, OPG is proud to be an engaged community member that encourages and supports local organizations and initiatives that help keep our communities strong and healthy. OPG is pleased to provide a space within the Darlington Nuclear Information Centre for local artists to display artwork. Exhibits change on a regular basis, make sure to stop by to check it out!
OPG is pleased to provide a space within the Darlington Nuclear Information Centre for local artists to display artwork. Exhibits change on a regular basis, make sure to stop by to check it out!
Inspiring local students in skilled trades showcaseSkilled trades showcase
OPG employees from Renewable Generation and Nuclear operations recently came together to showcase the skilled trades to students. Hundreds of local students received career advice from professionals while trying out various demonstrations.
OPG employees from Renewable Generation and Nuclear operations recently came together to showcase the skilled trades to students.
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