The Ontario Power Generation (OPG) plan to permanently shut down the eight nuclear reactors at Pickering by 2020, will provide a positive economic impact for the local economy according to a recent report from the Conference Board of Canada.
What does the Darlington Refurbishment mean for Ontario?
- The refurbishment of the Darlington Station is expected to boost Ontario’s GDP by $14.9 billion from 2010 to 2026.
- The project will increase employment in Ontario by an average of 8,800 jobs over the 17-year period.
- This would also result in higher wages, increased corporate profits and government tax revenues.
The analysis finds that every dollar invested in the refurbishment is expected to increase Ontario’s GDP by $1.3 due to the project’s low import content and heavy reliance on Ontario-based contractors. The refurbishment is also estimated to increase employment in Ontario by an average of 8,800 jobs from 2010 to 2026. The impact on jobs is expected to peak at roughly 11,800 from 2014 to 2023.
Canadian Nuclear Commission Hearing
As part of the refurbishment, OPG is seeking a 10- to -13-year operating license for the four nuclear reactors at Darlington. The Darlington reactors are the largest in Canada’s nuclear fleet. The reactors will require extensive rebuilding of the core and primary heat transport system to continue operating.
OPG’s request for an unprecedented 10- to 13-year extension of its license and approval to rebuild and extend the life of reactors recently drew intense criticism and support at a recent Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearing. We expect the Commission will announce its decision soon.
We are heavily involved in this project providing project management oversight to help keep it on schedule and on budget. Given the sheer size and scope of this project, we will continue to see coverage in the news as it progresses in the next decade. As we hear new developments, we will update you.
