Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Nuclear Power Plants
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Nuclear power plants, also called nuclear generating stations, have been operating in Canada since the early 1970s.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) governs the entire life cycle of nuclear power plants and every aspect of their operation through the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and its associated regulations. CNSC encourages licensees to not only meet applicable standards, but to exceed them in order to make them as safe as possible for Canadians.
Currently, Canada has seven nuclear power plants in different states of operation. All power reactors in Canada are CANDUs built by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and use uranium as fuel and heavy water as a coolant and moderator. Learn more about a how a nuclear reactor works on the CanTeach Web site.
Nuclear Power Plants in Canada: Description and Status
| Description and Status | |
|---|---|
Bruce Nuclear Generating Stations A and B Licensee: Location: |
Kincardine hosts two nuclear generating stations, Bruce-A and Bruce-B. Bruce-A consists of four pressurized heavy water reactors. The station commenced operation in 1976. Bruce Power Inc. is engaged in a project for the return to service of reactor Units 1 and 2, which are currently laid-up. In 2003 reactor Units 3 and 4 were refueled for service. Bruce-B consists of four pressurized heavy water reactors. This station commenced operation in 1984 and continues to operate today. |
Pickering Nuclear Generating Stations A and B Licensee: Location: |
Pickering hosts two nuclear generating stations, Pickering-A and Pickering-B. Both stations consist of four pressurized heavy water reactors. Pickering-A commenced operation in 1971. Units 2 and 3 are currently laid-up, and OPG is progressing with a project to place them in a safe storage state. Pickering-B commenced operation in 1982 and continues to operate today. |
Darlington Nuclear Generating Station Licensee: Location: |
Darlington Nuclear Generating Station consists of four pressurized heavy water reactors. The station commenced operation in 1989 and continues to operate today. |
Gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Station Licensee: Location: |
Gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Station consists of one pressurized heavy water reactor. The station commenced operation in 1982 and continues to operate today. |
Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station Licensee: Location: |
Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station consists of one pressurized heavy water reactor. The station commenced operation in 1982 and continues to operate today. |
Aspects considered in the evaluation of site suitability over the life of a nuclear power plant:
- the potential effects of external events (such as seismic events, tornadoes and floods) and human activity on the site
- the characteristics of the site and its environment which could influence the transfer of radioactive and hazardous material to people and the environment
- the population density and distribution, and other characteristics of the region, with respect to how they may affect the implementation of emergency measures and the evaluation of the risks to individuals, the surrounding population and the environment
CNSC's licensing process for nuclear power plants follows the stages laid out in the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations , proceeding progressively through site preparation, construction, commissioning, operating, decommissioning, and abandonment phases.
At each licensing stage, CNSC determines whether the licence applicant is qualified and has made adequate provisions for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of persons, and the maintenance of national security. Environmental assessments are carried out to determine, and help mitigate, foreseeable risks. Applicants must also demonstrate the required measures to meet Canada's international obligations for the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
If satisfied with the application, the Commission Tribunal may issue a licence that contains conditions that are appropriate for the facility. CNSC operating licences are for closed-term periods, and are subject to renewal on the basis of compliance with the licence terms.
CNSC has full-time staff at each nuclear power plant who conduct inspections and oversee compliance verification activities. In addition, other CNSC staff with specific technical expertise regularly visit the facilities to verify compliance with regulatory requirements and licence conditions.
