Nuclear Power Demonstration Closure Project
The Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) site is located in Rolphton, on the south bank of the Ottawa River, about 25 km upstream of the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) site, and approximately 200 km northwest of Ottawa.
NPD made history in 1962 when it generated electricity from nuclear power for the first time in Canada. It was a small single unit 20 MWe pressurized heavy water reactor. The NPD reactor was the proof-of-concept and proving ground for research and development that led to commercial application of the CANDU® system for generating electric power.
For 25 years NPD produced sustainable, clean energy, and operated as a training centre for nuclear operators and engineers from Canada and around the world. Operations at NPD ended in 1987, after which the first stages of decommissioning were completed, including the removal of all nuclear fuel and heavy water from the site and the draining of the systems.
Today, CNL is planning to safely decommission the NPD, ensuring a reduction of Canadian long-term liabilities and eliminating interim waste storage, reducing worker risk and transport/waste handling risk and safeguarding the environment.
Learn how CNL is protecting the Chimney Swifts who use the NPD ventilation stack as habitat
Environmental Assessment Timeline and Next Steps
November 2017
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted to the CNSC
November 2017 - February 2018
Formal public and Indigenous comment period on draft EIS
March 2018
CNL receives all comments and information requests on the draft EIS
Current stage
CNL addressing responses to comments on draft EIS and preparing supplemental studies requested
Spring 2024
CNL submits final EIS to CNSC and responses to public comments
TBD
CNSC Commission Hearing Part 1
The Commission hearing dates will be determined by the CNSC Secretariat. Please refer to the CNSC website for further information on participating in public hearings.
TBD
Public and Indigenous intervention period on CNSC's environmental assessment report
TBD
CNSC Commission Hearing Part 2
TBD
Decision on environmental assessment and licensing