Canada’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has verified that Bruce Power has met the terms and conditions of the company’s Basis of Estimate to proceed with the unit 5 Major Component Replacement (MCR) Project, scheduled to begin in 2026.
The eight pressurised heavy-water Candu reactor units at the Bruce site in Ontario (Bruce A – units 1-4, and Bruce B – units 4-8) began commercial operation between 1977 and 1987. Bruce Power’s CAD13bn ($10bn) Life Extension Programme, which includes Asset Management and MCR, began in 2016. MCR, which began with unit 6 and also includes units 3-8, will extend the life of the site until 2064. Units 1&2 have already been refurbished and were returned to service in 2012. Work began on unit 3 in March 2023. Unit 6 was taken offline for the refurbishment in January 2020 and was returned to service in 2023. The Life-Extension Programme and MCR Projects will extend the operational life of each reactor by 30-35 years.
“Our government is squarely focused on delivering affordable power while building, buying, and securing more energy that is built by and for Canadians,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy & Mines. “I am proud that well over 90% of all materials purchased are stamped with ‘Made in Canada,’ creating over 20,000 jobs for Ontario’s skilled workforce. That is why renewing Bruce Power’s Unit 5 MCR alongside nearly all of our nuclear fleets will enable us to secure more clean, reliable, and affordable electricity we need to power our homes and businesses for generations to come.”
Eric Chassard, Bruce Power President and Chief Executive Officer said: “Ontario has become a world leader in nuclear power plant refurbishment and, along with our partners and skilled tradespeople, we continue to prove that these complex major projects can be delivered with the highest standards of safety and quality, on time and on budget.”
IESO CEO & President Lesley Gallinger noted: “With demand for electricity forecasted to rise over the next 25 years, ongoing refurbishments of Bruce Power’s nuclear units not only support the long-term reliability, affordability and sustainability of Ontario’s electricity system, they also contribute significantly to the economic and social well-being of communities across the province.”
