PICKERING, ONT. — The Ontario government has announced it is supporting a plan by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to extend the operating life of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
Under its proposed plan, OPG will keep Pickering’s units 1 and 4 operating until the end of 2024 and units 5 to 8 operating until the end of 2025. Previously, the plant was scheduled to close in 2024.
“The safe operation of Ontario’s nuclear assets is our top priority,” said Ontario Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Greg Rickford in a recent statement. “I’m pleased that OPG has developed an innovative proposal that will provide Ontarians with emission-free, low-cost energy, and keep highly skilled Ontarians working in their communities longer.”
OPG requires approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for its revised schedule. The final decision regarding the safe operating life of the Pickering site will be made by the CNSC.
“Our extensive analysis has shown that we can safely and reliably operate Pickering until the end of 2025 and provide a solid benefit to the ratepayer,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG president and CEO. “I want to recognize every one of the Pickering staff for their commitment to safety and for their role in improving performance year over year. The station’s performance is better than ever and Ontario electricity users will continue to benefit from clean and stable baseload power for several more years.”
The Pickering station currently generates enough power to meet the needs of 1.5 million people.
The plan was developed using data and analysis from the Independent Electricity System Operator on capacity needs and was incorporated into its annual planning outlook, the release noted.
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