SNC Lavalin to service channel installation at Bruce Power

MONTREAL — Bruce Power has chosen CANDU Energy Inc. to provide design and engineering services for fuel channel installation tooling at Unit 3 of Bruce Nuclear Generating Station in Ontario.

CANDU Energy Inc. is also a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group.

“Bruce Power has recognized that SNC-Lavalin, as the steward and original equipment manufacturer of CANDU® technology, is best-positioned to provide trusted solutions for a core component of their CANDU reactor design,” said Joe St. Julian, president, Nuclear, SNC-Lavalin in a statement.

“Our nuclear team has intimate knowledge of CANDU reactor fuel channels. That uniquely allows us to produce the specific systems that support refurbishment of CANDU reactors. This mandate to provide remotely controlled fuel channel installation tooling will directly support Bruce Power’s transformational Life Extension Program to add over 30 years to the site’s operational life.”

The tooling systems will allow for the installation of fuel channels  at Unit 3. Delivery of the systems is part of Bruce Power’s Major Component Replacement Project, and associated reactor refurbishment.

SNC-Lavalin says it has also delivered fuel channel removal and installation tooling for the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in Ontario. The company says it nuclear business has been involved in tooling work for every life extension of a worldwide CANDU reactor to date.

“We have a strong partnership with SNC-Lavalin and their expertise in CANDU technology is key to our Life Extension Program,” said Eric Chassard, executive vice president, Projects and Engineering at Bruce Power in a statement.

“This partnership will allow us to successfully deliver our Unit 3 Major Component Replacement, which will begin in 2023, and, once complete, will provide clean, reliable electricity to Ontario residents and businesses for decades.”