Bruce Power Achieves Next Milestone in Revitalization Project
October 17, 2012
We are so pleased to share this news with TalkNUclear.ca readers. Yesterday Bruce Power’s Unit 2 sent power to Ontario’s electricity grid, for the first time in 17 years! Bruce Power CEO, Duncan Hawthorne said:
“This gets us one step closer to the finish line and for the first time in nearly two decades we’re in the midst of returning the site to its full operational capacity. With this project in the final stages we can see a period of stable, steady operations ahead where Bruce Power plays a key role in keeping electricity costs low, the lights on and the air we breathe clean.”
And of the Bruce Power revitalization project, Ontario Energy Minister, Chris Bentley, said:
“Ontario is building a modern, clean, reliable electricity system and nuclear energy is a critical part of our energy supply. Bruce Power’s revitalization program is an important step towards eliminating the use of coal fired electricity by the end of 2014.”
Coal generated power has dropped by 90 per cent in Ontario in the past decade, 40 per cent of which is attributed to the 55 per cent increased output by Bruce Power’s nuclear power generation. Bruce’s Unit 1 and 2 restart is a key factor in quitting coal and reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Go low-carbon, reliable, safe nuclear power! Congratulations to the entire Bruce Power restart team!
The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) congratulates Bruce Power on the completion of the synchronization of Unit 2 to Ontario’s electricity grid. This follows the successful synchronization of Unit 1 in September, 2012.
“The refurbishment of Units 1 and 2 is a first for Canada’s nuclear industry as it is the first time two CANDU Units had been fully renewed after being laid-up for nearly two decades,” said Denise Carpenter, CNA President and CEO. “Congratulations to the Bruce Power team on another major step forward in their revitalization project – a key component to Ontario’s Long Term Energy Plan.”
In the last 10 years, coal generation in Ontario has been reduced by 90 per cent, while Bruce Power has doubled the number of operating units on their site. This increased clean generation from the Bruce Power accounts for 40 per cent of the coal generation reduced to date in the province.
With the return to service of Units 1 and 2, Bruce Power will remain a key player in both reducing and staying off coal, one of the largest greenhouse gas reduction initiatives in North America.
Bruce Power operates one of the world’s largest nuclear sites and is the source of roughly 25 per cent of Ontario’s electricity.
The Canadian nuclear industry supports the employment of 30,000 Canadians who are responsible for mining uranium, generating electricity, advancing nuclear medicine, and promoting Canada’s global leadership in science and technology innovation. Through these efforts, we also support 30,000 spin-off jobs and contribute $1.5 billion in tax revenues as well as $1.2 billion in export revenues.
Background: Bruce Power’s Unit 2 sends electricity to Ontario grid for first time in 17 years
