Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has awarded a contract worth $2.1 billion to joint-venture initiative between Aecon and AtkinsRéalis for the refurbishment of four units at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

The scope of work is for definition phase activities including engineering, procurement of long-lead components, and construction planning for the retube, feeder and boiler replacement of the station’s so-called B units: Units 5, 6, 7 and 8. Aecon says planning and early works are underway, with completion of definition-phase activities expected in 2026.

“The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station has powered cities and towns across Ontario with affordable, reliable and zero-emissions electricity for more than fifty years, supporting thousands of jobs in the process,” said Energy Minister Stephen Lecce.

Once refurbished, the Pickering station would produce more than 2,000 megawatts of electricity, equivalent to powering two million homes, to help meet the increasing demand that is being driven by electrification and the province’s surging economic growth.

OPG expects the full scope of the refurbishment work to be completed by the mid-2030s.

The Conference Board of Canada estimates the project will create 11,000 jobs per year while contributing $19.4 billion to Ontario’s GDP over 11 years. Moreover, 90 percent of the total project spending will happen inside the province.

In addition to the work delivered by Aecon and AtkinsRéalis, the program will be supported by BWXT Canada in Peterborough and Cambridge, Nutech in Arnprior, Cameco in Port Hope and NWI Precision in Toronto.

OPG will now proceed with the project’s definition phase, which will last through 2026. The government is supporting OPG’s $4.1 billion budget for this phase of work, bringing the total investment to date in the project to $6.2 billion.

OPG will complete a cost estimate and schedule for the project, progress detailed engineering, further procurement and contracting work, and develop an execution plan.

This extensive planning and preparation will help ensure the final project, if approved, is completed on time and on budget.

"Refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station's 'B' units is a critical step toward securing affordable, reliable and clean energy for Ontario’s growing electricity needs while creating more good paying jobs,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge.

OPG has also committed to spending $100 million with Indigenous companies over the life of the refurbishment project. This will ensure that local First Nations that host nuclear projects see the economic benefits including employment throughout the planning and execution of the project.

“Drawing on the shared experience of OPG, Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, labour unions and skilled tradespeople on the Darlington Refurbishment Project, we have set the stage for success as we prepare to refurbish Units 5-8 at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station,” said Nicolle Butcher, OPG President and CEO. “Pickering Nuclear Generating Station has a long history of helping power Ontario, and thanks to investments like this, will continue to do so for decades to come.”

Aecon and AtkinsRéalis are currently working on the refurbishment of four units at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, with delivery of three units already complete.

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator estimates that the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase by 75 percent by 2050, the equivalent of adding four and a half cities the size of Toronto to the grid.