Canada’s Ontario Power Generation (OPG) said this week that it is committed to refurbishing its Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.
This follows the Ontario government’s decision to invest $12.8 billion in the refurbishment project. The company said the investment in the facility will include upgraded technology to enhance operations. Approximately $14.9 billion in economic benefits is anticipated from the refurbishment.
Darlington currently houses four nuclear reactors and has 3,512 megawatts of generating capacity.
“Refurbishing Darlington is an investment in Ontario — in clean air, in jobs, in innovation and in lower energy prices,” OPG President and CEO Jeffrey Lyash said. “We’ve been preparing since 2009, and we’re ready to deliver the job safely, on time and on budget.”
The company said the project is expected to be completed by 2026 and that with the refurbishment, the Darlington station would be able to operate for approximately 30 years past its current lifespan.
The Province of Ontario also has approved plans that would attempt to extend the operation of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, pending license approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. OPG will seek a license renewal in 2018.
