Commission amends Ontario Power Generation’s operating licence for the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station to authorize the production of cobalt-60

June 7, 2024 – Ottawa

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission’s decision to amend Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) power reactor operating licence for the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station (NGS) to authorize the production of the cobalt-60 (Co-60) radioisotope. This decision follows a public hearing in writing with interventions, and the amended licence will remain valid until November 30, 2025.

The Darlington NGS is located in the Municipality of Clarington, Ontario, and on the traditional lands and waters of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg. These lands are covered by the Gunshot Treaty (1877–88), the Williams Treaties (1923), and the Williams Treaties Settlement Agreement (2018).

In making its decision, the Commission considered written submissions from OPG, CNSC staff and 12 intervenors. After reviewing all submissions, the Commission concluded that OPG is qualified to carry on the activities that the amended licence will authorize.

The record of decision is available upon request by contacting the Commission Registry at interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca. It will also be posted in both official languages on the CNSC website at cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca at a later date. All submissions are also available 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.

Timeline

• On April 28, 2023, OPG submitted an application to amend its power reactor operating licence for the Darlington NGS to authorize the production of Co-60.
• On October 23, 2023, the Commission published a notice of hearing in writing and participant funding.
• On January 8, 2024, the Commission published a revised notice of hearing in writing and participant funding.
• The Commission considered submissions from 12 intervenors and received additional information in response to its questions. All hearing submissions are available on the CNSC website.
• The Commission decided to amend the power reactor operating licence for the Darlington NGS to authorize the production of the Co-60 radioisotope.
• The amended power reactor operating licence is valid until November 30, 2025.

Quick facts

• Co-60 is a radioisotope with a variety of applications, including nuclear medicine and the sterilization of medical and industrial equipment.
• OPG intends to produce Co-60 in all 4 reactor units at the Darlington NGS.
• The Commission amended OPG licenced activities (i) and (vi) to include Co-60, and added a new licence condition, 15.7, requiring OPG to implement and maintain a Co-60 operations program.

Related links

• CNSC oversight of nuclear power plants
• CNSC oversight of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station

Contact

Media Relations
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Tel: 613-996-6860

Email: mediarelations@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca