Net Zero Needs Nuclear
A new campaign supported by Bruce Power and OPG has one simple message: there is no path to net zero without nuclear.
The Net Zero Needs Nuclear campaign is aimed at generating awareness around the importance of nuclear power as we embark on planning for the future of energy production in Canada.
Economies around the world have less than 30 years to cut overall carbon emissions to net zero. In 2014, OPG took one of the single largest actions to combat climate change in the world by ensuring Ontario used its last piece of coal to generate electricity in our Province.
To meet this crucial climate change objective, Canada and all countries will need to harness all clean energy solutions, including nuclear power.
That is why we outlined our commitment within our Climate Change Plan to be a carbon neutral company by 2040 and help build a net zero economy by 2050.
A key pillar of our Climate Change Plan is nuclear power. As the workhorse of Ontario’s electricity system, clean, low-cost nuclear power runs 24/7/365, with OPG’s nuclear stations supplying about 35 per cent of the province’s electricity.
Showcasing the many positive contributions nuclear energy systems make across the globe was also the focus of the recent World Nuclear Energy Day on December 2!
The bottom line is there is no path to net zero without nuclear power. Learn more at netzeronuclear.com
OPG partners to get food to those who need it in Durham
In the fall, OPG announced its plan to provide both immediate assistance and ongoing support through to those experiencing hunger within the Durham Region.
A $100,000 donation to Feed the Need in Durham (FTND) will be split two ways. The first half will go towards FTND’s bulk food purchasing program. The second half will support FTND transportation program to distribute food safely and efficiently to their food relief partner agencies.
“We truly believe it is our responsibility to help out in the communities where we operate, especially during such an unprecedented time,” said Jennifer Knox, Corporate Affairs Director (Nuclear). “We are grateful to organizations like Feed the Need in Durham, for their work in ensuring donations like this go where they are most needed, and to OPG employees, who regularly step up to support our community.”
Since March 2020 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, FTND has seen about a 30 per cent increase in food bank usage and 20 per cent increase in emergency meal program visits, year over year, across its network of front-line providers.
For more information about how you can help, visit feedtheneedindurham.ca
Darlington New Nuclear Project hits significant project milestone
OPG recently announced we will work with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy to advance the design and project planning, prepare the construction licence application materials, and perform site preparation activities, with the mutual goal of constructing Canada’s first commercial, grid-scale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the Darlington site.
This significant project milestone is critical to our vision of an SMR at the Darlington site by the end of the 2020’s.
Check out the special insert inside this edition of Neighbours for more information on this major project milestone!
First phase of geotechnical study complete
In parallel to the work completed in support of OPG’s SMR reactor technology selection, the project team has also completed the first phase of a Geotechnical Study; an element of our Environmental Assessment (EA) commitments.
Executed in partnership with ES Fox Ltd., Golder Associates and Walker Drilling, this phase of the study assessed the underlying soil and bedrock for a potential future SMR foundation at the Darlington site.
The next two phases of the Geotechnical Study are planned to begin in 2022 and will include offshore and continuing onshore assessments.
Wrapping up this phase of work moves the team one step closer to subsequent DNNP milestones, including the commencement of site preparation in 2022, pending project approvals. For the most up-to-date information on OPG’s new nuclear efforts, visit dev.opg.com/newnuclear
Darlington Refurbishment project update
During these unprecedented times, OPG’s refurbishment project team continues their industry leading performance by marking the end of an important segment of work for Unit 3’s refurbishment – disassembly.
The next major milestone for the project will see Unit 3 enter the reassembly phase of refurbishment, while the team continues to prepare Unit 1 for its refurbishment slated to begin in early 2022.
To get where we are today, it has required thousands of dedicated project partners, suppliers and workers across Ontario who have made this project a success to date.
Through their collective efforts, we are closer to the successful refurbishment of another Darlington unit. With all four units complete, Darlington Nuclear will provide another 30 years of clean, reliable power for the people of Ontario.
Centre for Canadian Nuclear Sustainability reaches a milestone
OPG launched the Centre for Canadian Nuclear Sustainability (CCNS) with one mission in mind – to see nuclear technology adopted as a clean energy solution to help achieve a net zero economy.
In the year since its inception, the CCNS has brought together 40 partners to identify research and development opportunities that will position Canada as a leader in safe and socially responsible decommissioning.
Earlier this year, the CCNS announced an innovation fund for new research and development projects. This will help prepare for decommissioning of our Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, and advance solutions for minimizing nuclear materials and recycle clean materials.
By bringing together industry, academia, community partners, Indigenous communities, and homegrown talent, CCNS will innovate, create long-term solutions for the end of the nuclear lifecycle and demonstrate nuclear power not only provides carbon-free electricity, but can be sustainable for future generations.
To learn more about the work going on at the CCNS, please visit theccns.com
Photo: Ken Hartwick, President & CEO of OPG, and Carla Carmichael, VP Nuclear Decommissioning Strategy and CCNS lead, were pleased to welcome Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan, Minister of Energy Todd Smith, MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy (not pictured), and Durham’s Regional Chair John Henry (not pictured), at the one year anniversary celebration of the CCNS.
Learning about the future of nuclear energy
Have you met Pelly?
Pelly, OPG’s newest team member and most cherished uranium pellet, is an influencer and environmentalist showcasing the potential nuclear energy holds in creating a clean energy, net zero future.
As the world faces the reality of a rapidly changing climate, nuclear power is essential in the fight against climate change because of its ability to produce large amounts of low-cost power safely, reliably, and virtually without carbon emissions.
Ontario’s use of nuclear power is one of the reasons why the Province remains one of the lowest carbon-intensive jurisdictions in the world.
Want more of Pelly? Visit nuclearpelly.ca
OPG’s Reconciliation Action Plan
OPG has committed to a continued journey of reconciliation with Indigenous communities through the implementation of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This plan is aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92, which urges corporate Canada to create a better future by applying a reconciliation framework to business activities.
“We are determined to seek meaningful ways to demonstrate reconciliation. This action plan is the next step in that journey.” - Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO.
One of the features of this plan is OPG will commit to grow economic impact for Indigenous communities and businesses to $1 billion over the next 10 years through ongoing operations, projects and initiatives.
This plan is a map for how we intend to work in partnership with Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations to advance reconciliation. It’s also about how we intend to grow and continue learning as an organization. Learn more about the RAP at opg.com/reconciliation
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