Nuclear Generation in Durham
Nuclear Generation in Durham
Durham Region is the Clean Energy Capital of Canada because of its clean energy innovation, environment and engineering sectors.
Over 30 per cent of Ontario’s electricity is produced by nuclear generating stations in Durham Region.
Nuclear power is important in the response to climate change because it produces low-cost electricity safely, reliably, and virtually without carbon emissions — this contributes to achievement of Durham’s climate change targets.
Darlington Nuclear Generating Station |
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Located in the Municipality of Clarington, the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station generates over 20 per cent of Ontario’s electricity. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is in the process of refurbishing these reactors to extensionend their lifespan. |
New Nuclear Development at Darlington |
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OPG is proposing to build four new small modular reactors (SMRs) next to the existing Darlington Nuclear Generating Station to supply additional clean electricity to Ontario's grid. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has created a webpage to share documents and information on the regulatory approval process and opportunities to participate. |
Pickering Nuclear Generating Station |
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The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station generates about 14 per cent of Ontario’s electricity. At the Ontario government’s request, OPG reviewed their operational plans and concluded that the station could continue to safely generate electricity. Pending approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Pickering “A” units 1 and 4 will operate until 2024, and Pickering “B” units 5 through 8 will operate until September 2026. OPG is currently working to update its feasibility assessment for refurbishing Pickering “B” units. Refurbishment of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station could result in an additional 30 years of reliable, clean and zero-emissions electricity from the facility. Learn more about the future of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. |
Port Granby Project |
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The Port Granby Project is a federal government project for the safe, long-term management of approximately 450,000 cubic metres of historic low-level radioactive waste in the Municipality of Clarington. Learn more about the Port Granby Project. |
Durham’s Nuclear Sector Strategy
Durham Region has developed a Nuclear Sector Strategy with input from a wide variety of contributors including the community, rights holders, partners, and stakeholders.
Empowering the Community: Durham’s Nuclear Sector Strategy 2022-2032, will equip Durham Region to seize opportunities and take actions to support a prosperous and sustainable community.
Recognizing the importance of the nuclear sector to the Region’s residents, businesses and institutions, the strategy has four goals:
- Grow understanding of the nuclear sector among Regional Council, staff, and the community.
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Build prosperity by maximizing the benefits of being a nuclear host community and Canada’s premier centre of the nuclear industry and innovation.
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Protect and sustain the community by addressing the impacts and opportunities of being a nuclear host community.
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Lead and develop partnerships within the nuclear sector to build leadership capacity and influence decision-making.
Read Empowering the Community: Durham’s Nuclear Sector Strategy 2022-2032
More information on community engagement opportunities related to the nuclear sector, background reports and documents can be found on Your Voice Durham.
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