Three construction firms win $1bn deal to refurbish Canadian nuclear reactors

Aerial photo of the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station near Kincardine Ontario (Image: Chuck Szmurlo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

A joint venture between consultant SNC-Lavalin, contractor Aecon and United Engineers & Constructors have won a contract to refurbish for nuclear reactors in Canada, worth CAN$1.3 billion (US$1 billion) over 10 years.

The Shoreline Power Group joint venture will extend the life of four of Bruce Power’s CANDU reactors to 2064.

The Bruce Nuclear Generating Station is the world’s largest operating nuclear facility, producing 30% of Ontario’s power.

SNC-Lavalin’s Canadian nuclear division will provide project management services associated with the reactor refurbishment of Units 4, 5, 7 and 8, the remaining units at Bruce Power that have yet to undergo a life-extension process.

Shoreline Power Group has worked on the successful life-extension of Bruce Power’s Unit 6, which is being returned to service later in 2023, after an on-time and on-budget refurbishment.

Work on the refurbishment of Bruce Power’s Unit 3 remains ongoing, having begun in 2022. Bruce Power’s Units 1 and 2 were refurbished in 2012.

Ian L. Edwards, president and chief executive officer, SNC-Lavalin, said, “The critical role of nuclear power in providing energy security, meeting the ever-increasing demand for electricity and a means to achieving global Net Zero commitments is no longer in dispute.

“Large reactors in particular will play a key role in providing the vast amount of electricity required in the future. As the steward of the CANDU reactor technology around the world, and a provider of the full lifecycle of nuclear services, we are well positioned to capitalize on the rising demand for nuclear energy.”

Preparatory work is expected to commence in 2023, with completion anticipated in 2032.