Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has secured a five-year operating licence for the Pickering nuclear station in Canada.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to grant a single-site operating licence for OPG’s Pickering station, which will be valid from 1 September 2013 until 31 August 2018.
The decision was revealed after public hearing held on 20 February 2013 in Ottawa and 29-31 May 2013 in Pickering.
The licence includes a regulatory condition that prohibits the Pickering B nuclear station not to operate beyond 210,000 effective full power hours.
The CNSC will consider OPG’s request to remove the condition in a future proceeding of the commission with public participation.
OPG’s chief nuclear officer Wayne Robbins said, "We believe our safety and operational performance has earned a five-year licence renewal."
"The hearing process was an opportunity for organizations and individuals to share their views with the regulator and ensure all perspectives were considered in its decision" Robbins added.
In 2012, Pickering nuclear produced 13% of the electricity consumed in Ontario, and has produced more than 700TWh over its lifetime.