The Ontario government has announced the early completion of its ambitious refurbishment project for Unit 1 at the Darlington Nuclear Generaing Station, just five months ahead of schedule. This pivotal achievement marks the third of four units to undergo refurbishment at the facility since the project was launched back in 2016. With the upgraded Unit 1 back online, Ontario is set to benefit from 875 megawatts (MW) of clean, reliable energy, enough to power approximately 875,000 homes for the next three decades.
Ontario's Energy and Electrification Minister, Stephen Lecce, emphasized the importance of this project, noting, "Ontario needs more electricity – 75 percent more by 2050 – to power new homes, historic new investments and an electrifying economy." At a recent press conference, he asserted the significance of nuclear energy for the province's future, claiming this refurbishment would improve both the economy and the environment. The announcement coincides with increasing demands on electricity due to factors such as population growth, electrification of transportation, and technological advancements.
The refurbishment of Unit 1, part of the larger $12.8 billion Darlington Refurbishment Project, has involved extensive upgrades, including the replacement of significant reactor components, inspection, and enhancements to turbine generator equipment. According to the Conference Board of Canada, this refurbishment project is expected to yield approximately $90 billion in economic benefits for Ontario and create around 14,200 jobs annually. Remarkably, about 96% of the project costs have been earmarked for expenditures within the province.
Ken Hartwick, President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation (OPG), expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, stating, "Unit 1 is the third unit we will have refurbished months ahead of schedule, safely and with quality." He highlighted the collaborative effort of skilled tradespeople and project management personnel, who collectively demonstrate Ontario's capability to execute such large-scale nuclear projects effectively and on time.
During this round of refurbishments, Unit 1 was taken offline after setting several records for performance, including establishing a world record for continuous operation at 1,106 days. Following its return to service, the unit can continue providing stable energy during what Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator describes as skyrocketing demand for electricity.
Emphasizing the significance of this project for the local economy, numerous leaders from the Durham region, including John Henry, the Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Municipality of Durham, underscored the role of Darlington Nuclear as the Clean Energy Capital of Canada. Henry remarked, "The successful refurbishment – and early completion – of Darlington Unit 1 is a testimony to the world-class performance occurring daily within our region and throughout Ontario. This not only creates new jobs but also drives economic growth and energy sustainability for the future."
Moving forward, Unit 4 is currently slated for refurbishment and is on track for completion by 2026. The overall refurbishment plan aims to enable Darlington Nuclear to contribute to environmental goals by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions, effectively taking up to two million cars' worth of emissions off Ontario's roads each year.
The collective feedback from various trade unions highlights the pride felt by workers involved with the refurbishment. Jeff Parnell, President of the Power Workers' Union, articulated the pride members take in their work: "Nuclear power is the backbone of Ontario’s clean electricity system, providing secure, affordable and zero-emission baseload electricity to Ontario."
Looking at the wider energy strategy, the Darlington Refurbishment Project is just part of Ontario's larger vision for its Affordable Energy Future. The province has committed to developing its first integrated energy plan, which includes various energy resources and emphasizes clean, reliable nuclear power as it moves forward. This commitment is bolstered by new initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and managing increasing energy demand, particularly relating to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicle charging infrastructures.
With the completion of Unit 1 and the continuation of future refurbishments, Ontario is positioning itself not only for its immediate energy needs but also for sustainable growth and development well beyond 2050. The successful refurbishment serves as both momentum for its skilled workforce and reassurance for residents during challenging times of energy demand. The overall message is clear: with nuclear energy at the core of its electrical grid, Ontario is ready to tackle future challenges head-on, ensuring clean and reliable power for generations to come.
The enthusiasm for the advancement of the Darlington project is palpable, and as Ontario charts this new path forward, the expectation is for continued achievements, setting standards for nuclear refurbishments globally. By strategically investing and planning for the future, the province aims to secure its energy needs and spearhead advancements within the clean energy sector.
