September 1, 2016 – “I’m pleased to report it’s all systems go for Canada’s largest clean energy project,” said OPG’s Dietmar Reiner, as Ontario Power Generation confirmed its  Darlington nuclear generating station refurbishment project will get underway mid-October.

“Come October, we’ll shut down Unit 2—the first of four nuclear units to be refurbished—and begin removing, replacing and overhauling critical components,” added Reiner (photo), OPG’s senior vice-president, Nuclear Projects.

According to OPG, highlights from its latest series of performance reports include:

• Cost performance has been excellent and has improved since the last reporting period.
• Safety performance has been excellent: the team has worked 2372 days without a lost-time accident.
• OPG remains within the $12.8-billion project estimate.
• All necessary materials have been delivered.
• Worker training at the reactor mock-up continues.
• The detailed execution plan has been finalized.

The refurbishment project “will generate $14.9 billion in economic benefits for Ontario and create an average 8800 jobs per year,” Reiner added. “Once refurbished, Darlington will continue providing safe, reliable energy that is virtually free of greenhouse gas emissions for the next 30 years. This vital base load power will also cost less than other alternatives considered.”

To ensure a reliable supply of power during the refurbishments at both Darlington and Bruce Nuclear, OPG will seek regulatory approvals to continue operating Pickering nuclear generating station until 2024.

PHOTO: Dietmar Reiner speaks about the Darlington Refurbishment at the 5th annual Energy Summit, which was hosted by Clarington’s Board of Trade & Office of Economic Development, November 2013. Photo A. Capkun.