Ontario Construction News staff writer
Bruce Power’s program to refurbish and extend the life of its nuclear units is moving ahead safely and on schedule. Units 3 through 8 are being rebuilt as part of one of Canada’s largest clean energy projects.
Unit 4, which went offline in February for a three-year overhaul, has now reached the stage where major components are being removed and replaced. This includes 480 fuel channels, 960 feeder tubes, eight steam generators and other key parts. Once complete, the new equipment will allow the unit to produce clean electricity for decades.
The overall program, set to finish in 2033, is the largest private investment in Canada’s nuclear sector. It builds on the success of Unit 6, which was the first refurbishment completed, and lessons learned from the ongoing work on Unit 3, expected back in service in 2026.
“We’re seeing strong results from our teams and partners as we complete each refurbishment safely, on time and to a high standard,” said Bruce Power President and CEO Eric Chassard. “This work will help Ontario meet growing demand for clean energy while also supporting the production of medical isotopes used to treat cancer worldwide.”
During the Unit 4 preparations, workers completed the fastest fuel removal ever in a CANDU reactor and safely installed 16 eight-tonne bulkheads ahead of schedule.
The Shoreline Power Group, a partnership between Aecon and Candu Energy (an AtkinsRéalis company), is carrying out the replacement of the reactor’s fuel channels, feeder tubes and calandria tubes. Skilled tradespeople are using robotic tools designed by ATS Automation to make the work safer and more efficient.
“Partnering with Bruce Power, our teams are proud to deliver this project safely, on time and with quality performance,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, President and CEO of Aecon. “Experience and innovation are driving our success as we continue this important work.”
The company currently produces 6,550 megawatts of electricity at peak demand, with plans to raise that to 7,000 megawatts in the 2030s.
The project and ongoing operations support about 22,000 jobs each year and contribute roughly $4 billion annually to Ontario’s economy, with a significant impact in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties.