Who we are

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

Canada's plan, also known as Adaptive Phased Management (APM), will safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel inside a deep geological repository. The plan is based on years of public input, international scientific consensus, Indigenous Knowledge and best practices from around the world.

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About the NWMO

The NWMO was established in 2002 by Canada’s nuclear electricity producers in accordance with the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act. The founding members of the NWMO are Ontario Power Generation, New Brunswick Power Corporation and Hydro-Québec. These organizations, along with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, are mandated to fund our operations.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders that are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for used nuclear fuel management. 

Canada’s plan 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. The NWMO plans to select a site in 2024. Two areas remain in our site selection process: the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern Ontario and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area in southern Ontario. 

Transparent and accountable, the NWMO works in close co-operation with Canadians, Indigenous peoples, all levels of government, national and international regulators, industry, academia and a wide range of interest groups.

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Who We Are

Who we are

We are a non-profit organization whose purpose is ensuring used nuclear fuel in Canada — including that created using new or emerging technologies — is managed safely for generations to come. Download our backgrounder to learn more.
Who We Are

Who we are

We are a non-profit organization whose purpose is ensuring used nuclear fuel in Canada — including that created using new or emerging technologies — is managed safely for generations to come. Download our backgrounder to learn more.

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Canada's plan

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Canada's plan

Transporting used nuclear fuel