Pickering Refurbishment project underway with awarding of $3B in contracts

Construction on the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station refurbishment, to extend the life of Pickering’s four CANDU reactors has begun.

The Government of Ontario announced the awarding of two major contracts:

• Aecon Group Inc. and Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company, for the execution phase of Pickering’s Unit 5 Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement (RFBR) project, valued at approximately $1.7 billion.
• Aecon Group Inc. and Siemens Energy Canada, for Turbine Generator Replacement, including the installation of 14 steam turbine rotors, full stator rewinds, the overhaul of four generators, the delivery of new auxiliary systems and a control and monitoring system valued at $1.3 billion.

“Today, we are marking a national achievement as we begin work on Canada’s largest clean energy infrastructure project and strengthen our made-in-Ontario nuclear supply chain,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “I’m proud that we are not only moving this historic project forward, but awarding contracts that will keep more than 90 per cent of project costs right here in Ontario.”

Following the Ontario government’s approval of Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) refurbishment plan, the Pickering B units (Units 5 to 8) will be removed from service by the end of September 2026. Once complete, the refurbished station will supply up to 2,200 megawatts (MW) of reliable, affordable power – enough to power 2.2 million homes. Refurbishment will include replacing 1,520 fuel channels, 48 boilers and construction of a 1.5-kilometre deep-water intake. With site construction beginning today, reactor refurbishment work will begin pending final approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in January 2027.

The Pickering Generating Station Refurbishment is No. 1 on ReNew Canada’s 2026 Top100 Projects report.

“Pickering Nuclear Generating Station has built an exceptional legacy as one of the world’s highest-performing nuclear facilities, consistently delivering reliable, low-cost electricity for Ontarians for more than 50 years. This project will support thousands of local jobs on site and throughout Ontario’s and Canada’s robust nuclear supply chain during this complex refurbishment and as the station continues to serve Ontarians for generations to come.” said Nicolle Butcher, president and CEO, Ontario Power Generation.

Featured image: (OPG)