- Ontario nuclear plant achieves important milestone in reactor core reconstruction ahead of schedule.
- Bruce Power is increasing the generating capacity of its existing plants to meet rising electricity demand.
- Advanced automation technology has accelerated the installation progress of the Unit 4 reactor.
- The refurbishment plan will support global healthcare and provide affordable electricity.
Engineers at a nuclear plant in Ontario have reached a significant milestone in the reconstruction of the reactor core, completing a critical phase nearly a month ahead of schedule. Bruce Power announced that the milestone for its Unit 4 reactor was achieved 25 days earlier than for the previous unit. The team has installed 480 heating tubes, which form the core of the reactor vessel. The installation of fuel channels will begin next. This rapid progress coincides with a critical moment for Ontario, the most populous province in Canada, as it faces rising electricity demand. Officials project that electricity demand in Ontario will increase by 90% before 2050.
Increasing Generating Capacity to Meet Demand
To meet this demand, Bruce Power is also enhancing the generating capacity of its existing plants. The company has contracted Siemens Energy Canada to provide new high-pressure steam turbines for all four Bruce A reactors. Engineers will install this equipment between 2028 and 2031. The upgraded turbines will be more efficient, generating an additional 30 megawatts of electricity from each reactor without consuming extra fuel. Overall, this deal will inject nearly 125 megawatts of additional clean power into the provincial grid.
Automation Technology Accelerates Installation Progress
In Unit 4, the rapid installation has benefited from advanced automation technology. Technicians deployed a state-of-the-art robotic tooling system to seal reactor components. The machine can operate simultaneously on both sides of the reactor. It slides an insert into each tube and rolls the metal to an exact diameter. This micro cold-working process locks the joints, forming a permanent, sealed bond. The robotic system eliminates the need for manual work in hazardous areas and protects workers by significantly reducing their exposure in radiation zones. This equipment was developed in collaboration with local partners, with Bruce Power working alongside Shoreline Power Group, ATS Automation, and Calian Engineering.
The team first used this system on the Unit 3 reactor and leveraged the experience from that work to accelerate progress on Unit 4.
In August, the team set a CANDU single-day installation record by installing 20 tubes in 24 hours, surpassing the previous record of 16. Ontario's Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, praised the project, stating, "Ontario's nuclear sector has demonstrated its world leadership and a strong record of completing large refurbishments on budget and ahead of schedule." He added that new nuclear projects in the province will support 150,000 jobs.
Refurbishment Plan Supports Healthcare
Unit 4 is a midpoint in Bruce Power's larger life extension plan. This multi-billion dollar project will comprehensively refurbish Units 3 through 8, with plans to bring all six reactors back online by 2033 to provide decades of service to the grid. Units 6 and 3 have already resumed commercial operation. Technicians will shut down Unit 5 this November to begin its refurbishment, followed by Units 7 and 8. The refurbished reactors will also support global healthcare.
Bruce Power CEO Eric Chassard stated that the plant will provide affordable electricity for decades to come. He emphasized that these reactors will also supply reliable medical isotopes for cancer treatment to hospitals worldwide.
Importance of the Nuclear Plant Refurbishment Plan
The early completion of the reactor core reconstruction at the Ontario nuclear plant demonstrates proactive measures in addressing rising electricity demand in the region. With advancements in technology, particularly the application of automation, construction efficiency and worker safety can be significantly improved, which is crucial for the future of nuclear energy development. The refurbishment plan not only extends the lifespan of the reactors but also supports the supply of medical isotopes, showcasing the dual contributions of nuclear energy in both the energy and healthcare sectors.