Ontario government supports extension of lifespan of Pickering nuclear power plant

• 3 years ago (2020-08-17)
• David Flin

North America 1004 Nuclear 643

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The government of the Canadian province of Ontario has announced that it supports a proposal by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to extend the operating life of the Pickering nuclear power station to the end of 2025. OPG has said that it wants to continue operating Units 1 to 4 to the end of 2024, and Units 5 to 8 until the end of 2025. The plant was scheduled to shut down in 2024.

Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development, and Mines for the Ontario Government, said: “The safe operation of Ontario’s nuclear assets is our top priority. 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. Our analysis has shown that we can safely and reliably operate Pickering until the end of 2025 and provide a solid benefit to the ratepayer.”

OPG still needs the approval of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) before the lifespan of the plant can be extended.