Ontario Greenlights Pickering Nuclear Generating Station Refurbishment to Create Nearly 37,000 Jobs

PICKERING – Today, Minister Stephen Lecce announced the Ontario government has approved Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to refurbish four CANDU nuclear reactors at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. To support the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers and the province’s long-term energy security, the refurbishment will extend the facility’s operations to deliver affordable, reliable and clean power for up to 38 years. This will allow Ontario to continue leveraging its nuclear advantage to create more export opportunities, support good-paying jobs and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the face of U.S. tariffs.

“For more than 50 years, nuclear power has been the backbone of Ontario’s energy grid, with the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station as one of the best-performing and continuously operating nuclear stations in the world,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “To deliver on our major jobs plan to get Canadians working, extending the life of the facility will create jobs for tens of thousands of skilled workers while we build up the Ontario supply chain and keep 90 per cent of our project spend in this country. After the previous government’s attempt to shut down the facility, this refurbishment signals that we are doubling down on Canadian technology, Canadian workers and the Canadian supply chain to protect our economy from global instability.”

Pending final licensing approvals from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), OPG will begin the Project Execution Phase to refurbish Pickering “B” units 5 to 8 in early 2027, with completion expected by the mid-2030s. Once completed, Pickering will generate an increased capacity of up to 2,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, equivalent to powering 2.2 million homes. This will ensure Ontario has the energy it needs to power more homes and a strong, self-reliant and resilient economy.

The project is expected to create approximately 30,500 jobs during refurbishment, while sustaining 6,700 jobs throughout the station’s operation. With a final budget of $26.8 billion, more than 90 per cent of the project cost will be spent in Canada to support local businesses and deliver economic benefits across the province. Refurbishment and ongoing operation will increase Canada’s GDP by $41.6 billion. OPG will deliver the project using the same disciplined planning, oversight, and partnership model that has kept the Darlington refurbishment on-time and on-budget. OPG has also committed to investing $100 million with Indigenous-owned companies over the life of the refurbishment project, ensuring that First Nations hosting nuclear facilities share directly in the economic benefits.

The Pickering "B" refurbishment is also expected to secure a long-term supply of Cobalt-60, a life-saving medical isotope used worldwide in cancer treatments and in the sterilization of medical equipment and food products, while supporting the government’s work to double the number of medical isotopes produced in the province over the next four years.

“Our government’s investment in the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is key to strengthening our economy and standing as a leader in energy production,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Member of Provincial Parliament, Pickering-Uxbridge. “We are refurbishing infrastructure and creating more well-paying jobs for residents in Pickering and across Durham Region.”

Refurbishing Ontario’s nuclear fleet is a key pillar of Energy for Generations, the province’s first-ever integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power it needs to power new homes and drive economic growth. The government’s integrated approach and record investments in energy infrastructure are also providing the certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.

Quick Facts

• According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase significantly by 2050.
• In September 2022, Ontario announced that OPG would continue to safely operate the “B” units (units 5 to 8) at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station through September 2026, pending CNSC approval.
• In October 2024, CNSC authorized Pickering “B” units to operate until the end of 2026. Further operation of Pickering “B” units would require a complete refurbishment.
• In December 2024, OPG completed the Project Initiation Phase of the Pickering refurbishment which included early engineering and design work, as well as securing components that require the longest-lead times. By placing orders in advance with key suppliers, OPG can ensure materials are available when Ontario needs them and help keep costs down.
• In January 2025, the government approved OPG to proceed with the Project Definition Phase of the Pickering refurbishment that will continue through 2026. Under this phase, OPG undertook activities to refine project scope and cost, complete engineering deliverables, negotiate commercial contracts and secure spots in the queue for long-lead components.
• To reduce costs the government will continue exploring potential financial instruments that would benefit ratepayers, and in parallel, OPG continues to explore other optimal financing arrangements.

Quotes

"By making this responsible investment into Pickering now, we ensure this clean energy workhorse will continue to power Ontario for future generations. The expertise developed during Darlington’s refurbishment, together with the skilled Pickering team, ensures we are ready to deliver another complex nuclear project—on time, on budget, safely, and with quality."

- Nicolle Butcher President and CEO, OPG 

"I am thrilled with this landmark announcement that secures the future of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station for generations to come. This critical refurbishment will deliver clean, reliable power, create thousands of good jobs, and support local businesses, while powering Ontario’s transition to electrification, meeting the energy needs of a growing province, and supporting cancer care and the healthcare sector worldwide."

- Kevin Ashe Mayor, City of Pickering 

"Durham College is proud to support Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Pickering refurbishment, a landmark project that will strengthen Ontario’s energy industry and create opportunities for students, graduates, and local communities across Durham Region. As Ontario’s labour needs evolve, this project highlights the critical role Durham College plays in preparing graduates with the skills required for careers in the nuclear sector and the skilled trades that power it. Building on our long-standing partnership with OPG, we ensure that the next generation of energy workers is ready to contribute to a clean energy future."

Dr. Elaine Popp President, Durham College

"Ontario Tech University welcomes the province’s announcement approving the refurbishment to extend the operating life of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, as Ontario builds out its nuclear fleet while investing in SMR’s and isotope production to meet the province’s growing energy demands and next generation medical solutions. Ontario Tech is proud to be a leader in training the energy workforce that powers Ontario’s nuclear future. Through our high-demand STEM programs, entry to expert training, and industry partnerships, Ontario Tech is ensuring the province has the skilled talent pipeline it needs to deliver reliable, affordable and clean energy for decades to come."

- Dr. Steven Murphy President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University 

"We applaud the Ontario government for its leadership in securing a clean energy future for all Ontarians. Refurbishing Pickering means thousands of good jobs, strong partnerships with local businesses and Indigenous communities, and continued production of life-saving medical isotopes. Building on the success of the Darlington refurbishment and decades of reliable CANDU® performance, we’re ready to deliver this project safely, on time, and on budget. Together, we’re extending the life of a made-in-Canada solution that not only powers homes and industry but strengthens communities across the province for generations to come."

- Sandy Taylor President and CEO, CANDU Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company 

"Refurbishing four reactors at OPG’s Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is a critical step toward securing the clean, reliable and affordable energy needed to power electrification, new technologies and growing demand for decades to come. This project will extend the station’s life and create opportunities for lifesaving medical and industrial isotope applications, while sustaining thousands of highly skilled jobs. It’s great to see the province investing in nuclear projects that will help power Ontario’s future."

- John Henry Regional Chair and CEO, Regional Municipality of Durham 

"For 25 years, Black & McDonald Limited has been deeply integrated into Pickering’s operations, maintenance, and life-extension initiatives. With today’s announcement by the Ontario Government, we are honoured to continue supporting OPG as Pickering transitions into one of the most significant refurbishment projects in Canada’s history. This refurbishment project secures more than energy reliability; it secures prosperity for Ontario families, businesses, and communities for generations. We also applaud OPG’s commitment to invest $100 million with Indigenous-owned companies, ensuring that economic benefits are shared with the First Nations communities that host and support nuclear generation in Ontario. We look forward to continuing to build meaningful partnerships that create long-lasting social and economic value."

- Mark Healy Regional Vice President, Black & McDonald Limited 

"Pickering B is not just a reliable source of clean energy, it is also a vital contributor to Canada's supply of Cobalt-60 (Co-60) isotopes, which are used to sterilize medical equipment, keeping our hospitals clean and safe. Today’s announcement to proceed with the refurbishment plan for Pickering B can also contribute to extending the production of Co-60 for decades to come, enabling long-term reliability for Canadian hospitals and supporting our goal to double production of isotopes by 2030."

- Melody Greaves Executive Director and Vice President, Government Relations, Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council