The NWMO selects a siteRead more
1/3

Canada's plan

Nuclear energy has powered our homes, businesses and cities for decades. Today, Canada is also actively exploring emerging nuclear technologies and the role they may play in meeting the country’s climate change targets.

Used nuclear fuel is a byproduct of nuclear power. It must be safely managed long-term.

We’re protecting people and the environment, including water, for generations to come.

An icon of the nuclear symbol
Learn more
This photo shows a group of people in front of dry storage containers.

Canada's used nuclear fuel

The country’s used nuclear fuel is currently safely stored in licensed facilities at reactor sites in Canada. Today’s method is safe, but temporary. It requires ongoing maintenance and management, which isn’t sustainable over the very long period the material must be contained and isolated. This is why Canada has a plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel.
Learn more
A scientist taking notes.

What is Canada's plan for used nuclear fuel?

Canada’s plan involves containing and isolating all the country’s used nuclear fuel underground in a deep geological repository. It is supported by international scientific consensus and best practices for managing used nuclear fuel.

Learn more

The site for Canada’s used nuclear fuel repository

The multi-year, community-driven process to identify a site for Canada’s deep geological repository began in 2010. Twenty-two municipalities and Indigenous communities expressed interest in learning more and exploring their potential to host the project.

Canada’s plan is now proceeding 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.

A magnifying glass icon
Learn more
A scenic photo of the area around Ignace, Ontario

Explore the site

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area

Learn more
"At the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, safety is our first and highest priority. It drives everything we do — from project design, engineering and environmental research, to aligning with Indigenous Knowledge and engaging local communities."
A photo of Laurie Swami, President and CEO of the NWMO

Laurie Swami

President and CEO

Related news