Ontario Construction Report staff writer
Construction has begun on the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, a project the Ontario government describes as the largest clean energy infrastructure project in Canada.
The refurbishment is expected to extend the life of Pickering’s four CANDU reactors by up to 38 years and create about 30,500 jobs annually during construction, as well as 7,500 jobs across Canada over the project’s lifespan.
Major contracts have already been awarded to Ontario-based suppliers.
Aecon Group Inc. and Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company, have a contract worth approximately $1.7 billion for the execution phase of the Unit 5 Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement (RFBR) project.
Aecon and Siemens Energy Canada have also been awarded a $1.3-billion contract for turbine generator replacement. The work includes installing 14 steam turbine rotors, rewinding the four generators, overhauling the generators and installing new auxiliary systems and a control and monitoring system.
“Advancing into execution on the Pickering Refurbishment project is a major step forward for Ontario’s clean energy future and highlights Aecon’s proven leadership as Canada’s nuclear constructor,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and CEO of Aecon Group.
Pickering B units, Units 5 to 8, are scheduled to be removed from service by the end of September 2026 following provincial approval of Ontario Power Generation’s refurbishment plan.
Site construction is now beginning, while reactor refurbishment work is expected to begin following final approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, anticipated in January 2027.
Once completed, the refurbished station is expected to provide up to 2,200 megawatts of electricity, enough to supply about 2.2 million homes.
Work includes replacing 1,520 fuel channels and 48 boilers, as well as construction of a 1.5-kilometre deep-water intake.
A new 200,000-square-foot Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement Training and Mock-up facility will train more than 2,800 skilled trades workers before refurbishment activities begin.
“Ontario’s investments in critical infrastructure and our key industries are creating new opportunities for workers across the province,” said Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister Trevor Jones. “At a time of global economic uncertainty, we are creating good-paying jobs here at home and ensuring our workers have access to the training they need to seize them.”
The project is part of Ontario’s broader nuclear expansion plans, which include refurbishment of existing nuclear facilities and development of new generation.
Nuclear expansion plans could create up to 150,000 jobs and contribute more than $800 billion to the provincial economy.
The Pickering B refurbishment is also expected to secure a long-term supply of cobalt-60, a medical isotope used in cancer treatment and in the sterilization of medical equipment and food products.
“The Pickering Nuclear refurbishment shows what a self-reliant economy looks like in the face of international pressures,” said Ryan Plante, area manager for Southwest Ontario with the Carpenters’ Regional Council. “Carpenters’ Regional Council members play a crucial role in building, maintaining, and revitalizing Ontario’s energy infrastructure, and are ready to bring that experience to this project.”
The Society of Professional Engineers and Associates, which represents nearly 2,000 engineers working with CANDU technology, also said the project will help retain nuclear expertise and economic activity in Canada.