This news is classified in: Traditional Energy Nuclear
Nov 4, 2021
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT ) are announcing a contract for Fuelling Machine (FM) head engineering and component supply as part of a refurbishment of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.
The contract will be formally announced today at BWXT's Peterborough, Ontario, facility, with Energy Minister Todd Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, OPG President and CEO Ken Hartwick, and BWXT Nuclear Power Group President John MacQuarrie in attendance.
The $50 million ( US$38.2 million ) contract will be executed by BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. in Peterborough, where a team of more than 250 employees, engineers, skilled trades, and other specialized personnel will design and supply complex parts and assemblies to enable the refurbishment of all eight FM heads at Darlington. Engineering work on this project began in 2020, with component supply occurring from 2022 to 2026.
A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Product, Application, and Country
Download free sample pagesAfter 30 years of providing safe, clean, reliable power to Ontarians, Darlington is in the midst of a planned midlife overhaul. The first of four units were shut down in 2016 and returned to service in 2020. A second unit is currently being refurbished, with the four-unit project slated for completion in 2026.
Beyond extending the life of the station by 30 or more years, Darlington Refurbishment is a boon to Ontario's economy. Approximately 96 percent of project costs are being spent in the province – like this project currently underway in Peterborough – drawing on Ontario's significant and skilled nuclear supply chain. More than 200 companies across Ontario are part of the refurbishment project and are helping to power the province's economy by creating jobs and delivering high-quality parts and services.
According to the Conference Board of Canada, Darlington Refurbishment and the station's subsequent operating life:
FM heads are part of the remote-controlled system that allows continuous on-power fuelling in CANDU reactors, like those found at Darlington.
Quick Facts
Quotes
" Ontario's nuclear supply chain is strong, allowing us to source much of what we need, both as we refurbish Darlington and also as we work toward small modular reactor deployment, right here at home," said Subo Sinnathamby, OPG's Senior Vice President, Refurbishment. "We know BWXT has the skilled workers and the same rigorous commitment to quality and safety we do at OPG, which is imperative as they provide key parts and knowledge to refurbish Darlington's fuel machine heads."
"Our team in Peterborough produces innovative fuel handling systems for CANDU nuclear plants around the world and is committed to supplying engineering services and components of the highest quality," said John MacQuarrie, president of BWXT's Nuclear Power Group. "We are excited to get started on this project that will again showcase BWXT's engineering and manufacturing solutions that help our customers to operate their plants reliably."
"In addition to securing decades of safe, economical and clean power, Darlington Refurbishment is also enabling Ontario's nuclear supply chain partners like BWXT to expand its capabilities and bolster its leading position in the global nuclear industry," said Todd Smith, Ontario's Minister of Energy. "As the Darlington Refurbishment project shows, we are so fortunate and proud to have a world-class nuclear supply chain that is the envy of the global industry."
"OPG contracting BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada will have significant positive impacts in Peterborough and the surrounding regional economy," said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and MPP for Northumberland—Peterborough South. "Being a part of the Darlington Refurbishment allows our local skilled workers to showcase their talent by supplying high quality parts and services that will help power the province. This is great news for the expansion of clean nuclear energy in Ontario , which is key to driving down carbon emissions and attracting green investment."
"Good, family-supporting jobs in our community benefit and grow our local economy, with indirect jobs created across our region," said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. "This new $50 million contract will sustain these jobs and support our economic recovery for years to come."