Wednesday, August 6, 2025
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission’s decision to authorize Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to construct and operate the Pickering Component Storage Structure at the Pickering Waste Management Facility (PWMF).
OPG has stated that this structure is required for the storage of low- and intermediate-level waste resulting from potential refurbishment activities of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS) Units 5 to 8 and future PNGS Units 1 to 4 decommissioning activities. The decision does not authorize refurbishment activities at the PNGS. A separate application from OPG seeking authorization for refurbishment activities will be subject to a Commission hearing in 2026.
In making its decision, the Commission considered written submissions from OPG, CNSC staff and 9 intervenors. After reviewing all submissions, the Commission concluded that OPG is qualified to carry on the activities that the amended licence will authorize.
In January, 2025, the Government of Ontario announced it has approved Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to proceed with the Project Definition Phase, the next step toward refurbishing Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s “B” units.
Once refurbished, Pickering would produce more than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, equivalent to powering two million homes, to help meet increasing demand, driven by electrification and the province’s surging economic growth.
A summary record of decision is available upon request to the Commission Registry. The detailed reasons for the Commission’s decision, including the Commission’s assessment of all submissions made in relation to the application, will be provided in a detailed record of decision at a later date. Both documents will also be posted in both official languages on the CNSC website.
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. The Commission is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal set up at arm’s length from government, independent from any political, government or private sector influence.
Featured image: (OPG)
