Ontario Power Generation (OPG) released its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report showing its significant milestones and achievements across its various projects and initiatives.
The company stated on Friday that its continuing to make steady improvements to building and refurbishing clean, reliable energy generation infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing economy, while being more inclusive, diverse and socially responsible.
OPG began the site preparation work for the first grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR) in North America. The Darlington Nuclear Refurbishment project, worth $12.8 billion, has continued to progress safely and efficiently, remaining on schedule and within budget.
Once refurbished, the Darlington facility will generate clean power for over 30 years, resulting in the reduction of nearly 300 megatonnes of carbon emissions. Additionally, OPG carried out turbine and generator overhauls for their hydroelectric fleet, ensuring the continued optimal performance of these power generation facilities.
According to the report, Atura, OPG’s subsidiary, made progress on the Niagara Hydrogen Centre project, marking a significant achievement for Ontario. OPG also prioritized their commitments to Indigenous communities and businesses, providing economic benefits of $77 million and remaining on track to fulfill all obligations outlined in their Reconciliation Action Plan. The company successfully conducted testing to extract Molybdenum-99, a crucial isotope used in global nuclear medicine, from the Darlington Nuclear facility.
“As we work to electrify life in one generation, we will continue to prioritize sustainability, safety, diversity and Reconciliation,” said OPG Board Chair, Wendy Kei.
“And we will keep striving to be a socially responsible and beneficial neighbour for communities and Indigenous partners across the province.”
Read more: Governments of Saskatchewan and New Brunswick join forces on SMR development
Read more: Canada launches $29.6M small modular reactor funding program to mitigate fossil fuels
OPG named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers
In environmental stewardship terms, OPG demonstrated its commitment to conservation by planting over 340,000 trees, restoring woodlands, grasslands and wetlands across 600 acres of land. It also actively contributed to post-secondary programs aimed at recruiting students from historically under-represented backgrounds.
These efforts in promoting equity, diversity and inclusion led to being recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers of 2023 by Mediacorp. This includes the company providing educational programs on equity, diversity and inclusion to its employees, including anti-racism training. These initiatives show OPG’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
“Operating in a sustainable manner, consistent with ESG principles, is fundamental to OPG’s ongoing success, and to ensuring we meet our commitments to the environment, to communities and to the people of Ontario,” said OPG President and CEO Ken Hartwick.
“As we lay the groundwork to meet the growing electricity demands of a clean economy and help build a more prosperous Ontario, we remain focused on safety, integrity and strengthening relationships, especially Indigenous partners and host communities.”
Read more: Ontario to expand nuclear power adding 3 small modular reactors
Ontario may need to double electricity generation by 2050
According to the Independent Electricity System Operator’s report, Ontario may need to double its electricity generation capacity from 42,000 MW to 88,000 MW by 2050. The report suggests that an additional 17,800 MW of nuclear power might be necessary to meet the increased demand.
Currently, nuclear power supplies about 50 per cent of Ontario’s electricity, making its grid one of the cleanest in the world. To address the growing demand for electricity, Ontario is conducting a large-scale clean energy storage procurement and has invested over $1 billion in energy efficiency programs.
The company is supporting the safe operation of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and have re-contracted existing electricity generation resources at a discounted rate. In December 2022, OPG began groundwork for the first grid-scale SMR in Canada, in partnership with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, SNC-Lavalin and Aecon. Construction of the first unit is expected to be completed by 2028.
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