View the Nuclear Industry profile.

Pickering is a leading centre for energy in Ontario, with over 20 per cent of our labour force employed in this sector. The keystone of our energy sector is the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS).

What is nuclear energy?

Nuclear energy is created by splitting atoms to heat water into steam, which turns a turbine and spins a generator, creating electricity. Nuclear power is one of the best ways to meet the constant and growing electricity demands of Ontario reliably, cost effectively, and without the environmental impact of greenhouse gas and carbon emissions.

As provinces move towards electrification and a growing demand on the electrical grid, the output from renewable energy such as solar and wind power are not enough to power our towns and cities. Nuclear power is essential in the fight against climate change because of its ability to produce large amounts of clean energy in a cost efficient, safe, and reliable way.

Nuclear isotopes save lives

Nuclear isotopes, harvested directly from CANDU reactors, are used to sterilize medical devices and play an important role in medical imaging and diagnostic procedures, as well as in medicine and new drug development. From cancer to Alzheimer’s to brain disease, medical isotopes are a game changer, and the nuclear industry is leading the way for the world.

Low-waste energy

The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS) uses effective waste sorting and segregating techniques to ensure that every item in considered, and takes full responsibility for the entire lifecycle of the waste, a level of responsibility that is unique to the nuclear industry. The reactors are a powerful source of new nuclear products like Cobalt-60 and Molybdenum-99. The waste is then given new life for uses such as power quantum computing, medical tracer technology, and help protect our borders.

What’s happening in Pickering?

Refurbishing Pickering will involve removing and replacing major components of each reactor and its associated equipment, including pressure tubes, calandria tubes, and feeder pipes, as well as the plant’s steam generators. Refurbishing Units 5-8 will allow PNGS to continue producing safe, reliable energy for Ontario, which will provide many benefits to customers, the economy, and the environment.

The benefits of being a nuclear host community

Being a nuclear host community brings many economic advantages: in addition to having access to clean energy, the infrastructure and network that supports PNGS bring thousands of high-paying jobs to the City of Pickering.

Ontario Power Generation

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is proud to be one of the largest, most diverse clean power producers in North America. They invest millions in local economies and employ thousands of people to maintain a modern, sophisticated energy fleet. They partner with local, environmental and Indigenous groups to improve the well-being of their site communities.  Learn more about Ontario Power Generation.

Other Pickering-based businesses that support PNGS and contribute to local employment opportunities include:

For information about Nuclear Awareness, including about emergency preparedness and how to obtain potassium iodide tablets, please visit the Durham Nuclear Awareness resource page.