BWX Technologies has secured contracts worth more than C$1bn ($695.4m) to support Ontario Power Generation‘s (OPG) nuclear projects, focusing on the Pickering life extension and Darlington small nuclear reactor (SMR) deployment.
As part of the first contract, BWXT will manufacture 48 steam generators at its Cambridge facility for use in the Pickering life extension programme.
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Pickering’s four operating CANDU reactors contribute 10% to Ontario’s electricity supply.
The Pickering life extension programme, currently in its initial phases, aims to extend the operation of the Pickering B fleet of reactors by an additional 30 years, with completion anticipated by the mid-2030s.
This initiative will create more than 250 skilled trade jobs for welders, fitters and machinists, alongside additional engineers and support staff.
The project will span seven years, with a substantial portion booked in the fourth quarter of 2024.
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By GlobalDataBWXT is executing the work for CanAtom, a joint venture between AtkinsRéalis and Aecon.
AtkinsRéalis nuclear president Joe St. Julian stated: “CANDU technology, as Canada’s only domestically developed, large-scale nuclear technology, is a source of national pride.
“We are pleased to continue working with BWXT as a major player in the CANDU supply chain and a proud ‘Canadians for CANDU’ supporter. The CANDU reactors at OPG are indispensable to providing Ontario with energy security, and reliable, clean power to millions of people. Their refurbishment and continued operation help to support many Ontario jobs.”
BWXT will also produce a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 SMR for deployment at the Darlington new nuclear project.
The RPV, the largest component within the technology, houses the reactor core, coolant and support structures.
BWXT becomes the first North American manufacturer to engage in this work for SMR technology, positioning itself as a vital player in the global and Canadian roll-out of SMRs.
The BWRX-300, set for the Darlington site, is set to become the first operational SMR in the G7 nations.
This design incorporates a 300-megawatt electric (MWe) water-cooled, natural circulation SMR with passive safety features, drawing on the design and licensing foundation of GEH’s US Nuclear Regulation Commission-certified economic simplified boiling-water reactor.
OPG president and CEO Nicolle Butcher stated: “By refurbishing existing assets at Pickering Nuclear, and building SMRs at the Darlington new nuclear project, OPG is helping Ontario meet rapidly growing demand for low-carbon, reliable baseload nuclear energy.
“Ontario’s robust nuclear supply chain, including trusted partners like BWXT, will help ensure these large nuclear projects have the components necessary to complete these projects on time, on budget, safely and with quality.”
The BWXT Cambridge facility, one of the largest nuclear equipment manufacturers in North America, will be expanded to support current and future nuclear projects in Ontario and worldwide, backed by C$80m financing.
