CNSC renews Darlington Nuclear licence for 20 years

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission renewed Ontario Power Generation’s power reactor operating licence for the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in Clarington for 20 years, the regulator announced on Sept. 25.

CNSC said the renewal follows a two-part public hearing and makes no changes to OPG’s licensed activities. The decision adds requirements for OPG to provide two comprehensive performance updates during the term and to continue engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities as a licence condition.

The Commission said it considered submissions from OPG, CNSC staff and 79 intervenors during the hearing. It concluded OPG remains qualified to carry on the activities authorized by the licence.

According to CNSC “quick facts,” the Darlington station has four CANDU units with a total output of 3,512 megawatts. Units 1, 2 and 3 are operating and refurbished; Unit 4 is under refurbishment.

The CNSC release notes the facility is on the traditional lands and waters of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg and within areas covered by the Gunshot Treaty (1787–88), the Williams Treaties (1923) and the Williams Treaties Settlement Agreement (2018).

CNSC said the record of decision is available on request from the Commission Registry and will be posted in both official languages on the CNSC website at a later date. All submissions related to the licence renewal are available on the site.

The CNSC describes the Commission as a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal. The regulator says it monitors nuclear licensees for regulatory compliance.