Major milestone achieved on one of Canada’s largest clean energy projects

OTTAWA — The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) congratulates the entire Ontario Power Generation Darlington refurbishment team on making strides to help Canada meet its carbon-pollution target of net-zero by 2050. Today the team announced the completion of Unit 2, a key milestone in one of Canada’s largest clean energy projects. The overall four unit project remains on budget and schedule as planned.

This is the first of four units at Darlington to be refurbished in the coming years. The Darlington team worked safely for over 24 million hours and finished Unit 2 ahead of its committed completion date of June 25.

“On behalf of the Canadian Nuclear Association, I would like to thank the thousands of Canadian nuclear professionals and hundreds of nuclear suppliers that helped make this day possible,” said CNA President and CEO John Gorman. “This accomplishment enhances Canada’s already great reputation in the global nuclear industry. It shows why we are considered leaders on the international stage.”

Most models of pathways to a low or zero-carbon economy by 2050 have an increased share of nuclear, as much as double what exists today.

The Darlington refurbishment will lead to the continued operation of Darlington to 2055, enable Ontarians to access clean, reliable nuclear power for another three decades and will take the equivalent of two million cars off Ontario’s roads per year.

It will bring a total of $89.9 billion in economic benefits to Ontarians, create 14,200 jobs per year, and boost personal income by an average of $1.6 billion on an annual basis.

The dedication and expertise of thousands of workers and hundreds of suppliers across the Canadian nuclear industry helped OPG achieve this milestone.

Learn more about OPG’s Darlington refurbishment here.

About the CNA

Since 1960, the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) has been the national voice of the Canadian nuclear industry. Working alongside our members and all communities of interest, the CNA promotes the industry nationally and internationally, works with governments on policies affecting the sector and works to increase awareness and understanding of the value nuclear technology brings to the environment, economy and daily lives of Canadians.