Bruce Power officials joined Ontario Energy Minister Todd Smith at the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris, France, Wednesday.
They were there to talk about the pre-development work to explore the option to advance large nuclear at the Bruce Power site as part of the Powering Ontario’s Growth Plan.
Smith hosted an information session along with Eric Chassard, Executive Vice-President of Projects and Engineering, and Pat Dalzell, Bruce Power’s Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, where they discussed the public consultation and the long-term review to explore expanding nuclear generation on the Bruce Power site.
“Our robust nuclear industry and supply chain has helped Ontario build one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world,” said Minister Smith. “Now the world is watching what’s happening in Ontario when it comes to new nuclear development as we explore opportunities for new large nuclear at Bruce Power and advance our world leading SMR program.”
Bruce Power is working on pre-planning under the federal Impact Assessment (IA) process, and has also launched of a Request for Information (RFI) process to evaluate potential new nuclear technologies in 2024.
Dalzell said Bruce Power's goals align with The World Nuclear Exhibition theme of ‘Connecting nuclear to the world: Rising to the energy and environmental challenges.’
“This technology evaluation is being done in parallel with our Bruce C Impact Assessment, which will consider the option of adding up to 4,800 megawatts of nuclear capacity to complement our existing Bruce A and Bruce B units,” Dalzell said. “We’re in a unique position as one of the world’s largest nuclear operators in the midst of a Life-Extension Program to renew our existing units and now also explore opportunities for new nuclear on our existing site. We’re here to spread the message that nuclear is an integral part of a clean energy future in Ontario, Canada, and across the world, and that now is the time to invest in large projects that provide e environmental and economic benefits.”
Bruce Power stated that exploring technology through a neutral process will help ensure the company can consider multiple options to meet expanding demand. Bruce Power plans to spend some time planning the proposed Bruce C project, including engaging residents from across the region, including Indigenous communities. The company will use lessons learned from Bruce Power’s Life-Extension program and the last 20 years of worldwide GEN3+ nuclear power plant construction.
“The Bruce C Impact Assessment will use a technology-neutral approach, meaning multiple technologies that meet specified parameters could be considered for deployment on the Bruce Power site if a decision to advance a new build project is made,” Chassard said. “There are a number of viable nuclear technologies to consider and we are starting this detailed and factual evaluation to begin the selection process to identify a technology that is the right fit for our site and for Ontario, including a focus on design maturity, constructability, reliability, life cycle cost, risk, opportunities for local Indigenous communities, as well as social and economic benefits to our local region.”
Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng said the growth of Canada’s nuclear industry, which already supplies 15 per cent of the country’s clean energy, is a win-win for the environment and the economy.
“Canada is starting from a position of strength with its long-established nuclear industry and supply chain and the opportunities to expand will further support economic growth and good jobs,” Ng said.
Nuclear is expected to play a key role in Canada's Net Zero 2050 climate goals.
