Ontario Power Generation has received approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to construct and operate the Pickering Component Storage Structure at the Pickering Waste Management Facility.
The Pickering nuclear plant is located near Toronto.
The Pickering Component Storage unit is required for storage of low- intermediate-level waste that results from refurbishment of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station units 5 to 8 and its future units 1 to 4 decommissioning activities, according to CNSC’s Monday press release.
The commission considered written submissions from CNSC staff, OPG and nine intervenors when making the decision, according to the press release. After reviewing the submissions, CNSC concluded Ontario Power is qualified to manage the facility.
However, CNSC’s decision does not authorize refurbishment of the Pickering nuclear plant, the Canadian regulator said.
The Canadian power company has made plans to shut down Pickering units 5 to 8 and refurbish the units and return to the electricity grid by the mid-2030s. OPG intends to begin the Pickering refurbishment by 2026, pending CNSC approval.
OPG said the refurbishment of Pickering will bring over 2,100 megawatts for Ontario for another 30-plus years. Pickering units 5 to 8 are licensed to operate until Dec. 31, 2026.
Last year, OPG shut down Pickering units 1 and 4. Its units 3 and 4 permanently ceased operations in 2007 and 2008, respectively. As things stand now, the operating license for the whole plant expires Aug. 31, 2028.
CNSC will hold two public hearings in 2026 to consider Ontario Power’s application to overhaul its Pickering plant.
