CNSC issues the detailed Record of Decision for the renewal of Ontario Power Generation’s Nuclear Power Reactor Operating Licence for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station

News release

January 3, 2019 – Ottawa

On December 21, 2018, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) issued the detailed Record of Decision, including the Commission’s reasons for decision for the renewal of Ontario Power Generation Inc.’s (OPG) Nuclear Power Reactor Operating Licence for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS). This decision was issued following a two-part public hearing held on April 4, 2018, in Ottawa, Ontario, and from June 25 to 29, 2018, in Pickering, Ontario. On August 8, 2018, the Commission had announced through a Summary Record of Decision its decision to renew OPG’s licence to operate the PNGS from September 1, 2018 until August 31, 2028. The Commission also authorized OPG to operate PNGS Units 5 to 8 up to a maximum of 295,000 equivalent full power hours.

The Commission emphasizes that its decision in this matter is based on OPG’s stated intent to cease commercial operations at the PNGS on December 31, 2024; this would be followed by post-shutdown activities and a stabilization stage until 2028. Through its decision, the Commission makes it clear that commercial operation of any PNGS reactor unit beyond 2024 would require authorization from the Commission.

In making its decision, the Commission considered submissions from OPG and from 155 intervenors, as well as CNSC staff’s recommendations.

OPG will present a comprehensive mid-term update on its licensed activities at the PNGS by 2023. This mid-term update will take place during a public Commission meeting in the vicinity of the community that hosts the PNGS, at which Indigenous groups, members of the public and stakeholders will have the opportunity to intervene.

The Record of Decision is available upon request by contacting the CNSC Secretariat and will be published on the CNSC website in both official languages at a later date. Hearing transcripts can be obtained on the CNSC website or by contacting the CNSC. The hearing webcast is available on the same site.

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.

Quick facts

  • The CNSC requires nuclear power plants to conduct a full-scale emergency exercise every three years to test emergency response plans, decision-making functions, response capabilities and interoperability.

  • The CNSC has implemented its Independent Environmental Monitoring Program to verify that the public and the environment around licensed nuclear facilities are protected.

  • As part of the licensing conditions set out by the CNSC, a periodic safety review is conducted every 10 years at all Canadian nuclear power plants.

Contacts

Isabelle Roy
Media Relations
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Tel: 613-996-6860 or 1-800-668-5284

Email: cnsc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.ccsn@canada.ca

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