Thousands of new jobs coming to Durham Region

Ontario Power Generation plans to refurbish and expand Darlington station will contribute to considerable economic impact, according to president and CEO Tom Mitchell. 

Currently, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is reviewing OPG’s plans to refurbish the existing four units at the Darlington nuclear station. According to Mr. Mitchell the plant is at mid-life and is a world class performer. Refurbishment will enable it to continue its excellent performance for another 25-30 years. 

Assuming the project will receive a green light, the benefits would also include a couple thousand new jobs during the planning and construction phase, as well as significant spin-offs and secondary impacts.

Another OPG initiative is to build additional two new reactors at Darlington. This project is currently on hold due to concerns over costs and prospective vendors. Once the process resumes,” the project will employ up to 3,500 people during the design and construction phase. It will employ thousands more through indirect jobs,” Mr. Mitchell said. “Once in operation, 1,400 skilled workers are expected to be employed at the new plant for the duration of its life.”

The Pickering power plant will be operating until 2020. OPG is currently exploring possibilities and value propositions for the future of the station. “The kinds of activities we see as potential candidates for the site include energy-related services, research, training or other commercial activities.”

To find out more about these projects visit:

http://www.opg.com/news/  

http://www.durhamregion.com/news/business/article/1333267

Click here for Tom Mitchell’s address to the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance: