Nuclear Waste Management Organization

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is responsible for designing and implementing Canada's plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel. The plan, known as Adaptive Phased Management, requires used fuel to be contained and isolated in a deep geological repository. It also calls for a comprehensive process to select a site with informed and willing hosts for the project.

The NWMO is a not-for profit organization established in 2002 by Canada’s nuclear electricity producers in accordance with the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act (NFWA). The founding members of the NWMO are Ontario Power Generation (OPG), New Brunswick Power Corporation, and Hydro-Québec (HQ). These organizations, along with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), are mandated to fund our operations.

The NWMO is committed to proceeding in stages in an open, transparent, and inclusive manner. We take the time needed to collaboratively plan and confirm each step through an ongoing dialogue with the public.

Our team is made up of some of Canada's leading experts in fields related to nuclear waste management. We also collaborate with experts from across Canada and the world to ensure our work benefits from the best available research and experience.

The site selection process began in May 2010 and will take many years to complete. This will be followed by an estimated 10-year period to construct the facility. Subsequent phases involve the transport, handling, and placement of used nuclear fuel, followed by an extended period of monitoring.

More information at NWMO.