BWXT Canada to build Bruce Power’s new steam generators; contract worth as much as $500M
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Cambridge, Ont.-based manufacturer will build 32 steam generators as part of $13B refurbishment project
Bruce Power Station in Tiverton, Ont. The Ontario government announced it would delay the facility’s refurbishment until 2020 yesterday. PHOTO: Bruce Power
TIVERTON, Ont.—Following the Ontario government and Bruce Power’s major announcement Dec. 3, which will see the nuclear plant undergo a $13 billion refurbishment beginning in 2020, the generating station has already begun locking in suppliers.
Bruce Power and BWXT Canada Ltd. have announced the two companies will sign a memorandum of understanding for the design and manufacture of replacement steam generators for four of Bruce B’s units. The Cambridge, Ont.-based manufacturer has produced all the generating station’s steam generators to date.
“This is the beginning of a long-term project that will provide a major boost for our Cambridge facility,” John MacQuarrie, BWXT Canada’s president, said. “Our employees take great pride in the highly technical work we conduct for the nuclear industry, and we look forward to playing a major role in the refurbishment of these reactors, which will benefit all Ontarians with low-cost, reliable and carbon-free nuclear power for generations.”
The refurbishment program is designed to extend the life of the nuclear station, which went online in 1977, until 2064.
Each of Bruce B’s units will require eight steam generators, bringing the total contract to 32. MacQuarrie said the agreement will result in more than 350,000 engineering and labour hours and will be valued at anywhere from $400 million to $500 million.
The companies said the final cost of the steam generators will take into account a number of factors including pricing of materials and timing.
“The deal Bruce Power signed with the province yesterday has kick-started one of the largest infrastructure investment programs in Canada, and the people of Ontario will reap the benefits through a strong economy and well-paying, highly skilled careers,” Duncan Hawthorne, Bruce Power’s president and CEO, said. “The steam generator replacement program is integral to our refurbishments, and BWXT Canada is a key player in our future successes. I look forward to working with the people at BWXT Canada for many years.”
