Northern Transformer Supports Ontario Bruce Power Unit 3 Refurbishment

Northern Transformer Corporation has noted the return to service of Bruce Power Unit 3 following its Major Component Replacement (MCR) programme, adding that it supported the project as part of the broader Canadian nuclear supply chain.

The refurbished unit was reconnected to the Ontario grid more than seven months ahead of schedule after completing work at the Bruce Power Nuclear Generating Station. It now delivers over 800 MW of clean electricity, enough to power more than 800,000 homes.

The project was completed under budget, with approximately $150 million in savings, according to the Ontario government, making it one of the most cost-efficient nuclear refurbishments in the province’s history.

Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce described the refurbishment as a record-setting achievement for the province’s nuclear sector, saying: “When Ontario successfully completed the world’s largest nuclear refurbishment at Darlington ahead of schedule and under budget, critics said it couldn't be done again. Yet again, we are proving them wrong as we delivered a record-setting refurbishment under budget and seven months ahead of schedule.”

Chairman Giovanni Marcelli, Chairman of the Board of Northern Transformer Corporation, said: “We were pleased to witness today’s announcement… that Bruce Power’s Unit 3 has successfully returned to service following its Major Component Replacement program, more than seven months ahead of schedule.” He added that “the need for reliable transmission and transformation infrastructure becomes increasingly critical” as electricity demand continues to grow.

At Bruce Power, President and CEO Eric Chassard shared “With Unit 3 now back in service and providing safe, clean, and reliable electricity to the province, we continue to demonstrate that large-scale nuclear projects in Ontario can be delivered safely, efficiently, and with real benefits for ratepayers.”

The refurbishment included replacement of key reactor components such as fuel channels, feeder tubes, and steam generators, along with the first use of robotic tooling on a CANDU reactor face.

The Bruce Power Life-Extension Programme will refurbish six units in total, extending operations through 2064. The broader programme supports approximately 27,000 jobs across Ontario’s nuclear sector.

Source: Northern Transformer Corporation, NewsOntario