Canada’s Pickering nuclear plant extension approved to 2026

• 2 months ago (2024-10-14)
• David Flin

North America 1026 Nuclear 665

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The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has approved a short extension to operate the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station until the end of 2026. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) was previously allowed to operate units 5-8 at its Pickering plant in Ontario, Canada until the end of 2024. The Commission said that its amended licence includes an enhanced fitness-for-service programme.

The province had asked OPG to seek an extension of the plant’s service in 2022.

OPG is also proceeding with a plan to refurbish the Pickering plant that could see its life extended by several decades as the province tries to secure more electricity supply in the face of increasing demand.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has said Ontario’s electricity demand is expected to grow by at least about 2 per cent annually. The IESO has said the province needs more energy, especially by the mid-2030s. The Pickering plant produces about 14 per cent of the province’s electricity.