ARKANSAS, Sept 16 (Future Headlines)- Unit 6 at the Ontario nuclear site reached a significant milestone, as it was declared commercially operational, marking a return to service 39 years after its initial commissioning in 1984. This milestone comes after a lengthy Major Component Replacement (MCR) outage that commenced in January 2020. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission recently lifted its final regulatory hold-point, allowing the unit to increase its power output beyond 35%.

The successful return of Unit 6 is being hailed as a testament to the value of nuclear energy for the people of Ontario, both historically and for the future. Bruce Power‘s President and CEO, Mike Rencheck, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Returning this renewed unit to service 39 years after it was originally declared operational is symbolic in that it makes the case for nuclear as the right choice for the people of Ontario in the past and moving forward.” This achievement underscores the capability of Ontario’s nuclear industry, supply chain, and skilled workforce to complete large-scale projects on schedule and within budget. It also reinforces the strategic importance of refurbishing existing nuclear assets as a means of advancing Ontario towards a clean energy future.

• Environmental impact: Mitigating CO₂ emissions

The continued operation of Unit 6 is anticipated to yield substantial environmental benefits. Specifically, it is projected to result in the avoidance of approximately 2.6 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually when compared to energy sources that produce carbon emissions. This reduction in CO₂ emissions aligns with Ontario’s commitment to combating climate change and transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives.

Unit 6 is the first of six units slated for an overhaul and refurbishment process under Bruce Power’s ambitious Life Extension Program. This initiative aims to extend the operational lifespan of these units until 2064, further securing Ontario’s energy supply. The successful return of Unit 6 serves as a blueprint for the future refurbishment efforts of the remaining units.

• Efficiency gains and innovation

The next MCR outage, scheduled for Bruce 3, is already underway and benefits from the insights and efficiencies gained during the refurbishment of Unit 6. These innovations and lessons learned are expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the refurbishment process for the remaining units 4, 5, 7, and 8.

The return of Unit 6 at the Ontario nuclear site marks a pivotal moment in the province’s pursuit of a sustainable energy future. It not only underscores the importance of nuclear energy but also highlights the capacity of Ontario’s nuclear industry to execute complex projects. As the province continues to transition towards cleaner energy sources, the refurbishment and extension of the operational life of nuclear units will play a vital role in achieving carbon reduction targets and ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply for generations to come.

Writing by Sarah White