Government of Ontario seeks to extend life of Pickering nuclear plant, explores refurbishment
Thursday, September 29, 2022 – Canadians for Nuclear Energy applauds the announcement by Ontario Minister of Energy, Todd Smith, that the government is seeking a life-extension of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station through Summer 2026 and exploring the long-term refurbishment of the station.
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We are grateful to all those who felt emboldened by C4NE’s campaign to extend Pickering’s operating life, which began in 2020, and joined in the effort to make this victory possible.
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In July 2022, we launched our first major report, Save Pickering, which was widely read among industry leaders, energy experts, and policymakers. The report built a comprehensive case for refurbishing Pickering on economic, energy security, and climate grounds.
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The government’s announcement is a strong first step toward a future where the benefits of nuclear energy and its highly skilled workforce are properly valued.
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Dr. Chris Keefer, president of C4NE, called the life-extension and possible refurbishment of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station a “huge victory for climate, for clean air, for good jobs, and for healthcare. By avoiding a surge of gas-fired electricity in 2025, we are keeping 5 million tons of carbon dioxide out of the air, securing 13 million megawatt-hours of high-value, clean electricity, continuing to produce medical isotopes to sterilize 40% of the world’s single use medical devices, and providing at least a year of job security to the invaluable workers that make it possible.”