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Nuclear energy

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Amends Licence for Darlington Nuclear Generating Station

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has announced an amendment to Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) power reactor operating licence for the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station (NGS) to authorize the production of lutetium-177 (Lu-177) and yttrium-90 (Y-90) using the existing target delivery system on Darlington NGS Unit 2. This decision follows a public hearing in writing with interventions from OPG, CNSC staff, and seven intervenors. The amended licence remains valid until November 30, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CNSC has amended OPG's licence to authorize the production of Lu-177 and Y-90 at Darlington NGS Unit 2.
  • The amended licence is valid until November 30, 2025, and was issued after a public hearing in writing with interventions from eight parties.
  • The Commission considered written submissions from OPG, CNSC staff, and seven intervenors before making its decision.
  • OPG is qualified to carry on the activities authorized by the amended licence, as determined by the CNSC.
  • The amended licence was issued in accordance with the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and CNSC regulations.
  • The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security, and the environment, and to implement Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
  • The Commission is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal set up at arm's length from government, independent from any political, government, or private sector influence.

Statistics:

  • 7: The number of intervenors who participated in the public hearing in writing.
  • 2: The number of nuclear isotopes (Lu-177 and Y-90) authorized for production under the amended licence.
  • 1: The number of Darlington NGS units (Unit 2) where the production will take place.
  • 30: The day of the month (November 30) when the amended licence expires.
  • 2025: The year when the amended licence will expire.
  • 1923: The year when the Williams Treaties were signed.
  • 2018: The year when the Williams Treaties Settlement Agreement was finalized.

Sources:

  • CNSC news release
  • Nuclear Safety and Control Act
  • CNSC regulations
  • Williams Treaties (1923)
  • Williams Treaties Settlement Agreement (2018)

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