Nuclear Sustainability Services

In Ontario, about 60% of the electricity we depend on comes from nuclear energy. It is not only safe, reliable and low-cost, but it also produces virtually zero carbon emissions, which is vital in the fight against climate change.

While nuclear energy does create a small amount of nuclear by-products that must be managed, OPG is a world-leader in safe and environmentally-sound nuclear material and radioactive waste management.

Explore how we manage these materials safely and efficiently.

Nuclear power is one of the most misunderstood energy sources available but it plays a valuable role in the global fight against climate change. Its widespread use in Ontario is why the province has one of the lowest carbon-intensive electricity sectors in the world. Yet many of its benefits are often overshadowed by misconceptions around nuclear by-products and their management.

In 2020, we launched our Climate Change Plan and made a commitment to being a net-zero company by 2040, and create a net-zero economy by 2050. And while these goals are ambitious, they’re not enough on their own. That's where the Climate Challengers come in. Meet the people who have made it their mission to change the fate of our futures for the better.

For more info on OPG's energy podcast, visit climatechallengers.com or check out this episode 👉

EP06 - Nuclear waste mythbusting

Host Osama Baig is joined by two nuclear by-product experts: Nuala Zietsma from OPG and Erik Kremer from the NWMO.

See episode

OPG’s Nuclear Sustainability Services team has three key pillars that govern their operations: Stewardship, Lasting Solutions and Peace of Mind.

Stewardship

We accept, transport, process and store nuclear by-products carefully and thoughtfully. It is a job done with pride and purpose.

Above all else, the safety of our employees and the public is our highest priority.

Lasting solutions

OPG remains focused on achieving permanent and safe solutions for nuclear by-products, to protect people, the Great Lakes and the environment, for hundreds of thousands of years.

Peace of mind

Sound methods are used to reduce nuclear by-products from our facilities and secure its safe storage. By earning the confidence and trust of regulators and the public, we maintain our social licence to operate.

News Updates

The Nuclear Sustainability Services - Western Facility with a green chevron

News update

Nuclear Sustainability Services Performance Report - Q3 2022

In our Q3 2022 report, we track performance for NSS facilities in the areas of safety, operations, and the environment.

News update

Nuclear Sustainability Services Performance Report - Q2 2022

In our Q2 2022 report, we track performance for NSS facilities in the areas of safety, operations, and the environment.

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Deep Geological Repository project

With support from local communities, in 2002 OPG proposed the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project to safely isolate and contain low- and intermediate-level (L&ILW) nuclear by-products underground, while ensuring the protection of water and the environment. The DGR would have been buried beneath the Bruce Nuclear site in Kincardine, deeper than the CN Tower is tall, and constructed within low permeability limestone capped by 200 metres of low permeability shale.

A hiker's sunset silhouetted at the edge of a lake shore.

Early in 2020, after more than a decade of OPG research, public consultation, and federal regulatory hearings, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation members voted 'No' to the DGR for L&ILW, as proposed by OPG for the Bruce nuclear site. Holding firm on our commitment made in 2013 to not to proceed without SON support, the DGR project was discontinued.

OPG is moving forward exploring alternate solutions for long-term management of used fuel and learning from the experiences of others. Disposal in other countries includes near-surface facilities for lower-level materials, and deep repositories for higher-level materials.