In December 2015, Bruce Power reached an agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to advance a long-term investment program which would refurbish its nuclear fleet and secure the site’s operation until 2064.
The Life-Extension Program started on January 1, 2016 and involves the gradual replacement of older systems in the company’s eight reactor units during regularly scheduled maintenance outages.
As part of the Life-Extension Program, Bruce Power is carrying out its intensive Major Component Replacement (MCR) Project. The MCR Project began in January 2020 and focuses on the replacement of key reactor components in Units 3-8, including steam generators, pressure tubes, calandria tubes and feeder tubes.
The program will secure an estimated 22,000 jobs directly and indirectly from operations, and an additional 5,000 jobs annually throughout the investment program, injecting billions into Ontario’s economy.
“Bruce Power’s Life-Extension Program will provide quality jobs and substantial economic benefit, while positioning Ontario as a leader in nuclear innovation and expertise.”
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Major Component Replacement (MCR) Project
The MCR Project began with Unit 6 in January 2020 and is followed by Unit 3 in 2023 and Unit 4 in 2025. Each refurbishment must be of the highest quality, shorter in duration and ultimately more cost effective than the last.
The life extension of each unit will add approximately 30 to 35 years of operational life, while other investments will add a combined 30 reactor years of operational life to the units. Extending the operational life of the Bruce Power units will ensure Ontario families and businesses have long-term electricity price stability.
More about the MCR Project »
DID YOU KNOW
Each one of Bruce Power’s reactors is capable of generating enough low-cost, reliable, safe and carbon-free electricity to meet the annual needs of a city the size of Ottawa.
“MCR is so much more than a refurbishment project that will power the province for years to come. It’s a project which will empower people and communities now and into the future.”
Eric Chassard, Executive Vice-President, Projects and Engineering
