Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 9, Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has confirmed that Bruce Power can move forward with its fourth Major Component Replacement (MCR) project at its nuclear facility. The MCR process involves replacing critical reactor parts like steam generators, pressure tubes, calandria tubes, and feeder tubes, extending each unit’s operational life by 30-35 years. Unit 5 will be the fourth of six units at the Bruce site to undergo this upgrade. Unit 6 completed its MCR first, resuming service in September of the previous year ahead of schedule and within budget. Units 3 and 4 are currently in progress, with Units 5, 7, and 8 scheduled for overlapping MCRs through 2033.

The turbine hall at Bruce 5

Each MCR builds on lessons and improvements from prior projects, enhancing efficiency. Bruce Power, a privately funded entity, notes that these efforts generate CAD10 billion (USD7 billion) in annual economic activity, supporting local and provincial economies. The company’s Life Extension Program, aiming to operate its Candu reactors until 2064 and beyond, is described as Canada’s largest private clean energy infrastructure endeavor. It sustains 22,000 jobs yearly and bolsters hundreds of businesses across Ontario.

Lesley Gallinger, IESO President and CEO, emphasized the broader impact: “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.” The IESO has backed Bruce Power’s refurbishments since 2005, when an initial agreement facilitated the revival of Units 1 and 2 and ensured ongoing operations. A 2015 update supported life-extension work for Units 3-8, followed by a 2023 amendment incorporating clean energy tax credits from the Canadian government, reducing investment costs.

Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, highlighted the focus on local energy solutions: “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.” The refurbishments align with rising electricity needs, ensuring a stable, sustainable supply. Bruce Power’s efforts strengthen Canada’s energy framework while delivering economic benefits, with Unit 5’s MCR marking a key step in this ongoing commitment.