40-year-old nuclear reactor gets massive rebuild to power Canada for 35 years
By replacing key reactor components including steam generators, pressure tubes, calandria tubes and feeder tubes, the reactor’s operating life is set to be extended by up to 35 years.
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) of Ontario, Canada, has approved Bruce Power – the world’s largest operating nuclear facility – to begin its fourth Major Component Replacement (MCR) project, set to start on Unit 5 next year.
The decision followed after the crown corporation – which operates the province’s electricity market and manages the bulk power system – verified that the leading supplier of medical isotopes has met the terms and conditions to proceed with the project.
“As we stare down President Trump’s tariff threat, I am proud that well over 90 percent of all materials purchased are stamped with ‘Made in Canada,’ creating over 20,000 jobs for Ontario’s skilled workforce,” the province’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, says.
“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 minister continues.