Work begins on massive Ontario nuclear refurbishment

Key Takeaways:

• Construction has officially begun on the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station refurbishment, extending the operational life of four CANDU reactors by up to 38 years and generating 2,200 MW of power for 2.2 million homes.
• Major contracts include a $1.7-billion RFBR agreement with AtkinsRéalis and Aecon, alongside a $1.3-billion turbine generator contract with Aecon and Siemens Energy Canada, keeping over 90 percent of spending in Ontario.
• The project is projected to create 30,500 annual construction jobs, generate $41.6 billion in GDP, and secure a long-term supply of medical isotopes while shielding Ontario’s grid from foreign energy dependencies.

The Whole Story:

Construction has officially commenced on the life-extension refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, marking the launch of Canada’s largest clean energy infrastructure project. As part of a strategy to bolster domestic energy sovereignty and counter cross-border trade friction and U.S. tariffs, the province-backed initiative will extend the operational lifespan of Pickering’s four CANDU reactors (Units 5 to 8) by up to 38 years, generating up to 2,200 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity—enough to power 2.2 million homes.

The multi-billion-dollar project initiates with a major $1.7-billion execution contract awarded to a joint venture of Candu Energy Inc. (an AtkinsRéalis company) and Aecon Group Inc. for the Unit 5 Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement (RFBR). Concurrently, a $1.3-billion contract was awarded to Aecon Group Inc. and Siemens Energy Canada to execute the station’s Turbine Generator Replacement, covering 14 steam turbine rotors, full stator rewinds, generator overhauls, and control systems. Over 90 percent of total project spending will remain within Ontario and Canada, contributing an estimated $41.6 billion to national GDP and over $17 billion in economic activity across Durham Region.

With site construction now underway, Pickering B units will be removed from service by the end of September 2026. Pending final regulatory approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in January 2027, major reactor refurbishment work will begin, encompassing the replacement of 1,520 fuel channels, 48 boilers, and the construction of a 1.5-kilometre deep-water intake.

“When the previous government planned to shut down Pickering, our government chose to protect 4,500 jobs and create 30,500 new jobs by doubling down on Canadian workers, technology and energy sovereignty,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “The best way Ontario can fight back against President Trump is to build big, which is why we are saying yes to 30,500 jobs, 38 more years of clean power and a stronger Ontario economy. I’m proud that we are not only moving this historic project forward, but awarding contracts that will keep more than 90 per cent of project costs right here in Ontario.”

The workforce development strategy includes a new 200,000-square-foot training and mock-up facility designed to train over 2,800 skilled trades workers ahead of reactor dismantling. Officials noted that the project builds upon the success of OPG’s Darlington Refurbishment, which was completed five months ahead of schedule and $150 million under budget. Beyond power generation, the refurbished station will secure a long-term supply of Cobalt-60, a critical medical isotope used globally for cancer treatments and medical sterilization.

The project aligns with the province’s Energy for Generations plan as Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) forecasts electricity demand could surge up to 90 percent by 2050. Executives from AtkinsRéalis highlighted that CANDU technology’s ability to operate on natural, unenriched uranium provides a distinct geopolitical advantage by insulating the domestic energy grid from foreign enrichment supply chains.