Bruce Power and Westinghouse Electric Company announced an agreement to pursue applications of a micro reactor program within Canada. The agreement, which advances carbon-free energy, supports efforts by the federal and provincial governments to study applications for nuclear technology and reach their goal of a net zero Canada by 2050.
The Westinghouse eVinci micro reactor is a next-generation, small battery for decentralized generation markets and micro grids such as remote communities, remote industrial mines and critical infrastructure. It is designed to provide competitive and resilient power and superior reliability with minimal maintenance and its small size allows for standard transportation methods and rapid, on-site deployment.
“Small modular and micro reactors represent an incredible opportunity to bring GHG-emission free, affordable energy to the farthest regions of our province, supporting resource and economic development across our country,” said Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. “Today’s announcement further positions Bruce Power and Ontario as a global leader in nuclear innovation. I’m proud to see the technology that will power tomorrow being advanced right here in Ontario.”
To watch a video about the carbon-free cleantech click here.
Bruce Power also reached a much-anticipated milestone on October 1, with its Unit 6 Major Component Replacement (MCR) Project. The company is now embarking on the next stage of the nuclear reactor’s refurbishment.
Workers have completed the preparations to begin the major component replacement with the successful installation of protective shielding and 16 bulkheads, weighing over seven tons each, to isolate Unit 6 from the operating units.
“Reaching this milestone on plan under difficult conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic marks a pivotal moment in MCR,” said Eric Chassard, executive vice-president of projects and engineering for Bruce Power.
With this work now complete, Shoreline, a joint venture comprised of Aecon, SNC-Lavalin and AECOM, will begin the Fuel Channel Feeder Replacement program, a key element of MCR that involves the removal and replacement of the major components: pressure tubes, calandria tubes, and feeders inside the reactor. The first group of trade workers from Shoreline was deployed into the Unit 6 reactor vault last week to execute work that had been moved up in the schedule.
The Unit 6 MCR began in January before being put on hold during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project resumed in late spring with strict precautionary measures being instituted to keep workers and contractors safe. Bruce Power has expanded its safety protocols around the public health crisis, recently putting into place testing and screening of select company and supplemental staff, and contractors.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of our workers and the workers from our supply chain partners, our Unit 6 MCR has reached this important milestone on-time and on-budget,” said Chassard. “With this critical milestone achieved, Shoreline is now taking over the vault in great conditions to deliver its scope and we look forward to the successful execution of this work, which will allow us to continue providing people and businesses across Ontario with reliable, low-cost, clean electricity for decades to come.”