Unit 8 set a new long-run record today, generating low-cost, carbon-free electricity for its 581st straight day.
This also marks the longest consecutive run for any unit in the site’s history.
“This is a remarkable achievement,” said Paul Clark, Bruce Power’s Vice President of Bruce B. “It’s a testimony to the operational excellence of our entire staff that it has operated Unit 8 flawlessly since returning it to service on May 31, 2016, after its last planned maintenance outage.
“Our employees deserve all the credit for this long-run achievement. They’ve created a strategic asset management program that has identified the proper time to conduct planned maintenance on the units, and our learning culture has allowed us to become even better at what we do for the people of Ontario.”
During Unit 8’s last planned outage, Bruce Power invested $146 million in inspection and maintenance activities, as well as asset management, which will allow the unit to operate safely to its Major Component Replacement (MCR) Project, scheduled to begin in 2030. The MCR will then allow the unit to operate through to 2064, Clark added.
With continued safe operations, Unit 8 has the potential to become one of the top-performing CANDU units in history, as it is not scheduled for its next planned maintenance outage until Sept. 1, potentially adding nearly 250 days to its current long-run record, said Len Clewett, Bruce Power Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer.
“Unit 8 has established itself as one of the best CANDU units in the history of the technology, and we take great pride in the fact it has operated safely and reliably for nearly 600 consecutive days,” Clewett added.
During Unit 8’s planned maintenance outage, Bruce Power Operations staff will harvest life-saving Cobalt-60. This Cobalt-60 will help keep hospitals safe around the world by sterilizing medical instruments like masks, gloves and sutures.
About Bruce Power
Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
For more information, contact:
Bruce Power Duty Media – 519-361-6161