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Bruce Power Completes Unit 3 Construction Phase, Moves Toward Fuel Loading

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  • A replacement steam generator is lifted into the Bruce A generating station during the unit 3 Major Component Replacement outage (Image: Bruce Power)
    A replacement steam generator is lifted into the Bruce A generating station during the unit 3 Major Component Replacement outage (Image: Bruce Power)
    Image: World Nuclear News
    A replacement steam generator is lifted into the Bruce A generating station during the unit 3 Major Component Replacement outage (Image: Bruce Power) Source Full size

Construction phase of Unit 3 MCR finished on budget and ahead of schedule Bruce Power announced the construction phase of its Unit 3 Major Component Replacement is complete, emphasizing it remains on budget and ahead of schedule [1].

MCR replaces key reactor components, extending lifespan by 30‑35 years The Major Component Replacement swaps steam generators, pressure tubes, calandria tubes, feeder tubes and 480 fuel channels, adding 30‑35 years to the reactor’s operating life; Unit 3 outage began March 2023, Unit 4 refurbishment started February 2025, with other units slated through 2033 [1].

Partner firms executed component swaps, including 960 end fittings and eight steam generators Execution partner Shoreline Power Group—a joint venture of Aecon, AtkinsRéalis and United Engineers and Constructors—handled removal and replacement, while the Steam Generator Replacement Team (Aecon / SGT) installed eight new steam generators [1].

CNSC lifted first regulatory hold, permitting fuel loading The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission approved removal of regulatory hold point RHP‑1 in a 16 February letter, allowing Bruce Power to load 5,760 fuel bundles into Unit 3 later this month [1].

Ontario government highlights economic and job benefits of refurbishment Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said the project supports 22,000 jobs, adds CAD 4 billion to the economy and secures clean, reliable electricity for decades [1].

Unit 3 refurbishment aligns with Project 2030’s goal of 7,000 MW output Bruce Power links the MCR and Asset Management investments to Project 2030, targeting over 7,000 MW net peak capacity in the early 2030s once all units complete their MCRs [1].

  • Eric Chassard, President and CEO of Bruce Power – “Completing the construction phase of Unit 3's Major Component Replacement is a major step forward for Ontario's clean energy future… we’re now focused on returning this renewed unit to service on budget and ahead of schedule.”
  • Laurent Seigle, Executive Vice‑President, Projects at Bruce Power – “Delivering strong performance on a project of this scale is the result of relentless focus on safety, disciplined execution, and the ability to innovate… we continue to raise the bar with each Major Component Replacement.”
  • Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines – “Unit 3's Major Component Replacement is another powerful example of Ontario's nuclear advantage in action… this investment powers 22,000 jobs, adds CAD 4 billion to our economy, and ensures clean, reliable electricity for decades.”
  • Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) – In a 16 February letter, the regulator stated, “Bruce Power has met all of the pre‑requisites established by the CNSC to remove RHP‑1.”

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