Current Fleet Refurbishment

Refurbishment projects

Replacement of some major components of a reactor can extend its life for decades more. This is also an opportunity to modernize and enhance some of the equipment, improving safety and efficiency.

Ontario began refurbishing 10 of its 18 power reactors in 2016 at a projected cost of $25 billion. The refurbishments will take place at the Darlington and Bruce Nuclear Generating Stations. To minimize downtime and to apply lessons learned and expertise gained early in the project, the major components are being replaced over 15 years.

Under Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan for 2013, the principal companies involved in the refurbishment committed to minimizing the risk to ratepayers and are accountable for the major component replacement schedule and price.

Benefits of refurbishment

The refurbishment will increase Ontario’s return on investment in its nuclear fleet by doubling its lifespan — but it will bring several other benefits.

• Fighting climate change
  Continuing to use zero-emission nuclear energy will help Ontario avoid burning more fossil fuels and avoid greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improving air quality
  Ontario’s nuclear fleet made it possible for the province to discontinue its use of coal, leading to a sharp decline in smog days and related problems with respiratory health.
• Creating jobs
  According to Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, one reactor refurbishment will provide 6,500 direct years of employment. Once major components have been replaced, a single nuclear unit will employ nearly 1,000 people in full-time jobs for decades.

^{Photo credit: Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington Nuclear GS}