August 20, 2024
18 min read

Neighbours - Summer 2024

Pickering and Darlington Nuclear Generating Stations
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Tuesdays on the Trail wraps up

Community members taking part in this year's Tuesdays on the Trail program.
Photo’s from the 2024 Tuesday’s on the Trail Program

For more than two decades, the Tuesdays on the Trail program has provided family friendly activities for children ages 4 to 10 throughout July and August at OPG’s Pickering and Darlington nuclear sites. With summer winding down, OPG recently wrapped up another successful season of its Tuesdays on the Trail program.

With the generosity of our valuable community partners and student volunteers, this year’s lineup provided fun, free and educational activities at Alex Robertson Park in Pickering and along the Waterfront Trail in Courtice.

Community partners included Clarington Library Museums & Archives and Pickering Public Library, Scientists in School, Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue and Durham Community Health Care.

Thank you to our enthusiastic partners and to the families who attended; we hope to see you again next year.

Missed out on the fun? Visit opg.com/durham to see where staff from OPG’s nuclear stations will be next.

Former Minister of Energy, Todd Smith (left) and Subo Sinnathamby, OPG’s Chief Projects Officer, announce Provincial support for refurbishment at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station on Jan. 30, 2024
Former Minister of Energy, Todd Smith (left) and Subo Sinnathamby, OPG’s Chief Projects Officer, announce Provincial support for refurbishment at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station on Jan. 30, 2024.

Pickering Refurbishment update

Pickering Nuclear is set to provide clean power for generations to come. With the support of the Province of Ontario, OPG has begun planning for another world-class refurbishment project. Once complete, Pickering Nuclear Units 5-8 will provide 30-plus years of carbon-free power for the province.

"Ontario’s CANDU reactors produce 50 per cent of the world’s supply of Cobalt-60; an isotope used in medical radiotherapy, such as cancer treatments."

Refurbishing Pickering will:

  • Secure more than 2,100 MW of clean, reliable nuclear power for Ontario.
  • Power two million homes and businesses across Ontario, safely and reliably.
  • Maintain and secure highly skilled jobs.
  • Create significant economic impact of more than $19 billion over the refurbishment period in Durham Region and across the province.

None of this would be possible without the support of our neighbours, the residents in the Pickering and Durham communities. We will continue to put our communities first as we generate clean, reliable electricity for the people of Ontario. Learn more at opg.com.

"Did you know? You may have seen new barges just south of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. They are in place to complete geotechnical assessments for Pickering Nuclear’s refurbishment planning and will be there through the Fall. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada has authorized this work which is similar to work recently completed in support of the Darlington New Nuclear Project."

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Darlington New Nuclear Project

Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, visits the Darlington New Nuclear Project site
Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, visits the Darlington New Nuclear Project site.

Minister of Energy visits Darlington and shares benefits of SMRs

In June, Stephen Lecce, the newly appointed Minister of Energy and Electrification, visited the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) site during his tour of OPG’s Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.

Lecce shared a few words about investing in nuclear power as part of the government’s larger plan to prepare for increased electricity demand in the 2030s and 2040s and build on Ontario’s and Clarington’s clean electricity advantage.

“Canada and the G7’s first small modular reactor is being built right here in this community,” said Lecce. “Just a year and a half later I am pleased to officially announce today that the first phase of site preparation work for the small modular reactor has been completed on time and on budget”.

Clarington’s new nuclear project achieves another milestone

The DNNP team has completed another major milestone, on time and on budget. After wrapping up the early phase of the site preparation licence work in February with completion of site grading and construction of temporary roads and laydown areas, work on main site preparation has begun. Work to be completed in 2024 includes construction work for site establishment activities, excavation for the first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) unit and clearing activities for additional future units.

In the spring, Canada’s nuclear regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) concluded the DNNP environmental assessment is applicable and remains valid to OPG’s selected BWRX-300 technology. A second, two-part hearing to review OPG’s application for construction of the first of four SMRs is scheduled for October 2024 and January 2025.

Learn more on the DNNP web page.

DNNP project timeline

Project Status: UnderwayStart Date: 2006Expected Completion: TBD

Click on 🛈 below to read more information on milestones and related documents.

2006
May 2006
Ontario directs OPG to initiate the federal approvals
DNNP project timeline
May 2006
Ontario directs OPG to initiate the federal approvals
  • The Government of Ontario, OPG’s shareholder, directs OPG to initiate the federal approvals process for new nuclear generating units in response to recommendations from the Ontario Power Authority’s Integrated Power System Plan.
  • The Plan calls for investment in new nuclear generation capacity in order to maintain Ontario’s nuclear generating capacity at 14000 MWe, consistent with nuclear energy’s share of the 2005 supply mix.
2006-2009
OPG conducts Environmental Assessment
DNNP project timeline
2006-2009
OPG conducts Environmental Assessment
  • As required by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (1992), an Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposed project is conducted, including comprehensive studies undertaken by OPG and consultation with Indigenous communities, local community members and the broader public.
September 2009
OPG submits Environmental Impact Statement
DNNP project timeline
September 2009
OPG submits Environmental Impact Statement
March 2011
Joint Review Panel conducts public hearing
DNNP project timeline
March 2011
Joint Review Panel conducts public hearing
August 2011
Joint Review Panel submits EA report
DNNP project timeline
August 2011
Joint Review Panel submits EA report
May 2012
Government of Canada accepts Joint Review Panel recommendation
DNNP project timeline
May 2012
Government of Canada accepts Joint Review Panel recommendation
  • The Government of Canada issues a response accepting the recommendation of the Joint Review Panel and accepting the Environmental Assessment (EA).
August 2012
CNSC issues licence to prepare site
DNNP project timeline
August 2012
CNSC issues licence to prepare site
  • The CNSC issues the Licence to Prepare Site to OPG for a period of 10 years, valid from August 17, 2012 to August 17, 2022.
December 2013
Ontario asks OPG to defer construction but maintain site licence
DNNP project timeline
December 2013
Ontario asks OPG to defer construction but maintain site licence
  • Citing lower than planned power consumption growth combined with a strong supply situation, the Government of Ontario, through the 2013 Long-Term Energy Plan, requests that OPG defer the construction of new nuclear reactors but maintain the existing licence.
2013 to Today
OPG maintains site licence
DNNP project timeline
2013 to Today
OPG maintains site licence
  • OPG continues to maintain the licence in accordance with the licence conditions.
September 2018
OPG submits mid-term report
DNNP project timeline
September 2018
OPG submits mid-term report
  • OPG submits a licence Mid-Term report to the CNSC, outlining the activities undertaken since the licence was granted as well as a report providing an update on the commitments made by OPG (updated April 2019) during the licencing process.
September 2018
OPG notifies CNSC of intent to apply for licence renewal
DNNP project timeline
September 2018
OPG notifies CNSC of intent to apply for licence renewal
  • OPG issues notification to the CNSC of our intent to apply to renew the site licence that is set to expire in August 2022.
October 2019
OPG submits site preparation licence renewal plan
DNNP project timeline
October 2019
OPG submits site preparation licence renewal plan
June 2020
OPG submits application to renew licence for Darlington New Nuclear
DNNP project timeline
June 2020
OPG submits application to renew licence for Darlington New Nuclear

OPG has submitted an application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) seeking renewal of the licence that allows OPG to undertake site preparation activities required for new nuclear generation at OPG’s Darlington site.

OPG currently holds a Site Preparation Licence for the Darlington Nuclear site, the first of a series of licences that would be required for additional nuclear generation capacity. The current 10-year licence was obtained following the completion of comprehensive environmental impact studies and an extensive public hearing conducted by a Joint Review Panel of the CNSC and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency in 2012.

OPG has not yet undertaken any licensed activities on the site. However, the existing licence allows OPG to carry out activities to prepare the site for future construction, for example:

  • Clearing and grubbing vegetation
  • Excavation and grading of site
  • Installing services and utilities required to service the future project facilities (e.g., domestic water, fire water, sewage, electrical, communications, natural gas)
  • Constructing support buildings

As the licence expires in 2022, renewing the licence will help maintain the option for reliable, low carbon nuclear energy to remain a key part of Ontario’s low-emission energy mix.

With the application submitted, the CNSC will determine the timing and process for review. A decision by the commission members is expected in 2021. The application and supporting documents are available here:

October 2020
CNSC announces public hearing dates and availability of participant funding
DNNP project timeline
October 2020
CNSC announces public hearing dates and availability of participant funding
November 2020
OPG resumes planning activities for Darlington New Nuclear
DNNP project timeline
November 2020
OPG resumes planning activities for Darlington New Nuclear
  • On Nov. 13, 2020, OPG was joined by Provincial government and local municipal and business leaders to announce that planning activities will resume to construct a Small Modular Reactor at OPG’s Darlington site in Clarington.
June 2021
CNSC Site Preparation Licence renewal hearing
DNNP project timeline
June 2021
CNSC Site Preparation Licence renewal hearing
October 2021
CNSC approves renewal of licence to prepare site
DNNP project timeline
October 2021
CNSC approves renewal of licence to prepare site
  • The CNSC issued the Licence to Prepare Site renewal to OPG for a period of 10 years, valid from October 12, 2021 until October 11, 2031.
December 2021
OPG announces partnership with SMR technology developer GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
DNNP project timeline
December 2021
OPG announces partnership with SMR technology developer GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy

On Dec. 2, 2021, OPG was joined by the Minister of Energy, and local elected officials and business leaders to announce it will work together with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy to deploy a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the Darlington new nuclear site, the only site in Canada currently licensed for a new nuclear build.

March 2022
OPG announces partnership with E.S. Fox Limited for execution of early site preparation activities
DNNP project timeline
March 2022
OPG announces partnership with E.S. Fox Limited for execution of early site preparation activities

On Mar. 10, 2022, OPG was joined by the Minister of Energy and local elected officials and business leaders to announce a contract award to E.S. Fox to perform the early site preparation work required for future construction of the company’s first grid-scale small modular reactor.

June 2022
CNSC approves Financial Guarantee for Site Preparation phase of the Darlington New Nuclear Project
DNNP project timeline
June 2022
CNSC approves Financial Guarantee for Site Preparation phase of the Darlington New Nuclear Project

On June 8, 2022 the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission announced its approval of OPG’s application for acceptance of the Financial Guarantee for the site preparation phase of the Darlington New Nuclear Project. This milestone opens the door for site preparation work to begin.

September 2022
OPG begins site preparation activities at Darlington site
DNNP project timeline
September 2022
OPG begins site preparation activities at Darlington site

OPG has received regulatory approval to enter into the next phase of project development – site preparation.

This work includes non-nuclear infrastructure activities, such as clearing and grading a portion of the new nuclear site to build roads, utilities and support buildings. Mobilization for these activities begins in late September 2022, with execution of site preparation work planned to continue into 2025.

October 2022
OPG applies to the CNSC for a Licence to Construct
DNNP project timeline
October 2022
OPG applies to the CNSC for a Licence to Construct

A Licence to Construct from the CNSC is required before any construction work on an SMR at Darlington can begin. OPG’s application for this licence is comprised of a number of packages, submitted to the CNSC over the course of several months. This application process will culminate in a public hearing where the regulator will hear comments from members of the public regarding our application.

January 2023
Team forms to build North America’s first SMR
DNNP project timeline
January 2023
Team forms to build North America’s first SMR

OPG partnered with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), SNC-Lavalin, and Aecon to plan, construct, and deploy an SMR at the Darlington site.

All parties will manage the project as an integrated team and each company will play a specific role in successfully completing the Darlington New Nuclear Project:

  • OPG: The license holder; OPG will maintain overall responsibility for the project, including operator training, commissioning, Indigenous engagement, stakeholder outreach and oversight.
  • GE Hitachi: The technology developer; responsible for design, procurement of major components, and engineering and support.
  • SNC-Lavalin: The architect engineer; provides design, engineering and procurement support.
  • Aecon: The constructor; will provide construction planning and execution.
July 2023
Ontario announces planning and licensing for three additional SMRs
DNNP project timeline
July 2023
Ontario announces planning and licensing for three additional SMRs

On July 7, 2023, the Ontario government announced it will work with OPG to commence planning and licensing for three additional SMRs, for a total of four, at the Darlington new nuclear site.

November 2023
OPG selects fuel suppliers for SMR
DNNP project timeline
November 2023
OPG selects fuel suppliers for SMR

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced it is partnering with companies from Canada, the U.S., and France to ensure a fuel supply for the first unit of its four-unit Darlington New Nuclear Project.

The four contracts will involve:

  • Canadian company, Cameco, which has uranium mines in Saskatchewan and a Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) conversion facility in Port Hope, will supply natural UF6.
  • US-based, Urenco USA (UUSA) will provide uranium enrichment services from their operations in Eunice, New Mexico.
  • France’s Orano will provide additional Enriched Uranium Product (EUP) from their operations in France.
  • And US-based, Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas LLC, a GE-led joint venture, will provide fuel fabrication and related technical services and fuel assemblies.
January 2024
CNSC hearing for the Applicability of the DNNP Environmental Assessment and Plant Parameter Envelope to BWRX-300
DNNP project timeline
January 2024
CNSC hearing for the Applicability of the DNNP Environmental Assessment and Plant Parameter Envelope to BWRX-300

The CNSC held a three-day hybrid hearing to consider the applicability of the DNNP environmental assessment and plant parameter envelope to OPG’s selected BWRX-300 small modular reactor technology

February 2024
Early site preparation work complete
DNNP project timeline
February 2024
Early site preparation work complete

On Feb. 15, 2024, OPG and site preparation partner, E.S. Fox, turned the Darlington New Nuclear Site over to construction partner, Aecon, following on-schedule completion of the early site preparation work program. The work completed under the Site Preparation Licence over the past two years included site clearing and grading, construction of temporary roads and laydown areas, and installation of stormwater features, as well as establishing on-site utilities. Aecon will now undertake the main site preparation work program which will include installation of permanent construction power, clearing and grubbing for a four-unit layout, construction work for site establishment activities including the shoring wall required for reactor building excavation, and construction of fabrication and administration buildings.

April 2024
CNSC confirms DNNP existing EA is applicable to BWRX-300 reactor technology
DNNP project timeline
April 2024
CNSC confirms DNNP existing EA is applicable to BWRX-300 reactor technology

On April 22, 2024, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission’s decision that the existing environmental assessment for the Darlington New Nuclear Project is applicable to GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor technology.

October 2024
CNSC hearing on OPG’s application for a Licence to Construct one BWRX-300 reactor (Part 1 of 2)
DNNP project timeline
October 2024
CNSC hearing on OPG’s application for a Licence to Construct one BWRX-300 reactor (Part 1 of 2)

The CNSC held a virtual hearing the first hearing in a set of two on this matter – to consider OPG’s application for a licence to construct one BWRX-300 reactor for its Darlington New Nuclear Project.

January 2025
CNSC hearing on OPG’s application for a Licence to Construct one BWRX-300 reactor (Part 2 of 2)
DNNP project timeline
January 2025
CNSC hearing on OPG’s application for a Licence to Construct one BWRX-300 reactor (Part 2 of 2)

The CNSC held a hybrid public hearing – the second in a set of two on this matter – to consider OPG’s application for a Licence to Construct one BWRX-300 reactor for its Darlington New Nuclear Project.

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Meet Durham Region’s newest nuclear leaders

Allan Grace, Darlington SVP
Allan Grace, Darlington SVP

Allan Grace was appointed to the Senior Vice President (SVP) position at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in January 2024. Allan has experience at both Pickering and Darlington Nuclear and also completed a secondment with the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) in Atlanta, Georgia. Allan’s thoughtful and facilitative approach to leadership, his focus on safety and continuous improvement, and his past experience will be an asset as OPG looks to complete the refurbishment of the remaining Darlington units and transition the station to a four-unit operating site.

On a personal note, Allan and his wife Amie live in Clarington, ON with their two kids. They spend their spare time enjoying the kids’ extra-curriculars, including baseball and gymnastics, and as a family, they enjoy skiing and golf. Allan is a guitar enthusiast and holds an Engineering Physics/Applied Sciences degree from Queens University.

Paul Seguin, Pickering SVP
Paul Seguin, Pickering SVP

Pickering Nuclear welcomes Paul Seguin to the role of SVP. Paul is returning to Pickering where he began his career at OPG in 2000 in Station Engineering as a supervisor in the Control Room. He then held progressively more senior roles in Nuclear, Corporate and most recently as the SVP of Renewable Generation. Paul is excited to be back at Pickering to lead the station into the future as the team works towards the safe shutdown of Units 1 and 4 and the refurbishment of Units 5 to 8.

Paul is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick where he earned an Engineering degree. He lives in Toronto with his wife and their two kids. Paul’s time away from work is filled mostly with chauffeuring and cheerleading the kids’ many sports and social activities.

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