Introduction to the NWMO

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Canada has been using nuclear energy as a reliable, low-carbon power source for our homes and businesses for nearly 60 years. As worldwide energy demand grows and the need to address climate change intensifies, nuclear power has become an increasingly important part of the conversation. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) plays a vital role by closing Canada’s nuclear fuel cycle.

We are responsible for implementing Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel inside a deep geological repository, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

Since our inception in 2002, the Government of Canada has entrusted us with this significant responsibility. At present, Canada’s used nuclear fuel is safely stored at licensed, above-ground facilities. However, this approach is temporary and inappropriate for the very long time frames the material must be contained and isolated.

Canada’s plan for used nuclear fuel, which follows an approach known as Adaptive Phased Management, emerged through a three-year dialogue with Canadians and Indigenous peoples, including specialists and the public. It is based on the values and objectives they identified as important.

In 2007, the Government of Canada chose Adaptive Phased Management as the nation’s plan for the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel. Since then, we have been diligently working towards this objective.

Now, we are ready for what is next, including a significant milestone in 2024, when we anticipate selecting a site for the repository, after which we will enter the regulatory decision-making process.

Two potential siting areas remain in the process: the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern Ontario and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area in southern Ontario. As we have always maintained, the project will only proceed in an area with informed and willing hosts, where the municipality, First Nation and Métis communities, and others in the area are working together to implement it.

As this implementation plan demonstrates, we are preparing for this decision through ongoing community engagement and safety assessments, as well as environmental and technical studies. This will help to ensure potential host communities can make an informed and willing choice and that we are well-prepared for the regulatory decision-making process.

Site selection will also mark a turning point for our organization. Over the next five years, our organization will transform, including developing a plan to transition staff to the selected siting area. This will be occurring alongside further site characterization activities to ensure that the project is safe. The transition plan will also ensure that new investments contribute to community well-being and that we are ready for the regulatory decision-making process. Throughout this process, we will be focused on providing local job and contracting opportunities and continuing to invest in community well-being.

As Canada’s plan advances, we will also be proudly taking on a new endeavour. In 2023, the Government of Canada endorsed the NWMO’s recommendations within the Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste. Now, we will be responsible for the long-term management of intermediate-level and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste.

This new mandate represents an exciting new era and is a testament to both our technical expertise and experience in engaging Canadians and Indigenous peoples. Starting in 2024, we will begin developing the consent-based siting process for the deep geological repository recommended for intermediate-level and non-fuel high-level waste.

Throughout all our work, we remain dedicated to safeguarding people and the environment, including water, for generations to come. We are committed to meeting or exceeding all applicable regulatory standards and requirements as our project is regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in co-operation with other federal, provincial and municipal government departments and agencies.