Bruce Power has awarded a significant CAD700 million (USD510 million) contract to the AECON-led Steam Generator Replacement Team (SGRT) joint venture.
This contract encompasses the replacement of steam generators at Bruce units 5, 7, and 8. These units represent the final three Candu reactors at the Ontario site slated for Major Component Replacement (MCR).
MCR: Extending Reactor Lifespans
MCR is a comprehensive refurbishment process that involves removing and replacing critical reactor components.
These components include steam generators, pressure tubes, calandria tubes, and feeder tubes. By undertaking MCR, the operational life of the reactor is extended by an additional 30-35 years.
SGRT’s Role in Bruce MCR
SGRT is a joint venture between Aecon and SGT, a partnership between Framatome and United Engineers & Constructors Inc. SGRT has already successfully completed steam generator replacement work as part of the Bruce 6 MCR, which resumed commercial operation in September of last year. Work on units 3 and 4 is currently in progress.
SGRT’s Scope of Work
SGRT’s responsibilities within the Bruce MCR project are extensive. They include engineering and planning activities, the removal of existing steam generators, the installation of new ones, construction management, procurement of materials, and construction activities.
Planning for unit 5 has already begun, with the execution phase set to commence in 2027. The completion of all three units is projected by 2033.
Qinshan Life Extension Project
Agreement with TQNPC
AtkinsRéalis company Candu Energy Inc. has entered into an agreement with Third Qinshan Nuclear Power Company Limited (TQNPC).
This agreement focuses on supporting the ongoing 30-year life extension of the two Candu reactors at the Qinshan Nuclear Generating Station in China.
Candu Energy will provide design, engineering, and procurement services as part of Phase III of the project.
This encompasses the provision of specialized reactor tooling, training of TQNPC staff, and completing the necessary engineering work to enable the extended operation of the plant.
Qinshan Nuclear Generating Station
The two Candu 6 pressurized heavy water reactors at Qinshan are designated as Qinshan Phase III units 1 and 2.
The Qinshan site, situated in Zhejiang province 100 km southwest of Shanghai, also houses a Chinese-designed CNP-300 pressurized water reactor (Qinshan 1) and two CNP-600 pressurized water reactors (Qinshan Phase II).
Candu Units at Qinshan
Qinshan’s Candu units are primarily owned by China National Nuclear Power and were constructed on a turnkey basis, with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited serving as the main contractor.
These units commenced operation between 2002 and 2003 and are now approaching the scheduled date for component replacement to facilitate an additional 30 years of operation.
AtkinsRéalis’ Expertise
The recent contract follows mandates in 2021 and 2022 for pre-project preparatory work, which have been successfully completed on schedule.
AtkinsRéalis holds the exclusive commercial license for the Canadian-owned Candu intellectual property portfolio.
The company has played a pivotal role in all Candu reactor life extension projects globally, spanning projects in Asia, North America, Europe, and South America.
Candu Life Extension: A Growing Market
Joe St Julian, President, Nuclear at AtkinsRéalis, highlighted the significant market potential for Candu life extension reactor support.
He stated that it represents a CAD15 billion “total addressable market,” with upcoming projects involving 19 Candu reactors in China, Canada, Argentina, Romania, and South Korea over the next decade.
He further emphasized the company’s pride in maintaining its reputation as the recognized leader in Candu technology life extensions.