CNSC renews Ontario Power Generation’s Nuclear Power Reactor Operating Licence for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station

Following a two-part public hearing held on April 4, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario and from June 25 to 29, 2018 in Pickering, Ontario, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to renew Ontario Power Generation Inc.’s (OPG) Nuclear Power Reactor Operating Licence for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS) located in Pickering, Ontario. The licence will be valid from September 1, 2018 until August 31, 2028. The Commission also authorizes OPG to operate PNGS Units 5 to 8 up to a maximum of 295,000 equivalent full power hours.

The Commission states that its decision in this matter is based on OPG’s stated intent to cease commercial operations at the PNGS on December 31, 2024; this would be followed by post-shutdown activities and a stabilization stage until 2028. The commercial operation of any PNGS reactor unit beyond 2024 would require authorization from the Commission.

In making its decision, the Commission considered submissions from OPG and from 155 intervenors, as well as CNSC staff’s recommendations.

OPG will present a comprehensive mid-term update on its licensed activities at the PNGS by 2023. This mid-term update will take place during a public Commission meeting in the vicinity of the community that hosts the PNGS at which Indigenous groups, members of the public and stakeholders will have the opportunity to intervene.

The Summary Record of Decision is available in both official languages on the CNSC website at nuclearsafety.gc.ca or by contacting the CNSC Secretariat. A detailed Record of Decision will be published on the CNSC website at a later date. Hearing transcripts can be obtained on the CNSC website or by contacting the CNSC. The hearing webcast is available on the same site for 90 days.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.