Bruce Power Explores Technology Options for Expansion of Nuclear Power Generation
November 6, 2023
Bruce Power has released an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to further explore and understand nuclear technologies that could help meet growing demand for clean electricity and advance decarbonization efforts in Ontario.
The EOI process will provide an opportunity for nuclear technology suppliers to engage and express their interest of participation in the potential Bruce site expansion while enabling Bruce Power and industry partners to evaluate a variety of nuclear energy technologies. It will also leverage Canada’s robust nuclear supply chain, ensure the best interests of the ratepayer, include Indigenous community considerations, and increase socioeconomic benefits for the Clean Energy Frontier region of Bruce, Grey and Huron counties.
Earlier this year, the Ontario government announced its long-term electricity framework for the province, Powering Ontario’s Growth, with the goal of meeting future electricity demand, growing the economy and achieving a net zero future. A key element to this plan was to commence pre-development work, in collaboration with the Province through the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), for additional generation options on the Bruce Power site.
“Ontario has one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world and as we look to meet increased demand from continued electrification and economic growth in the province, nuclear power will be essential to preserving this advantage,” said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power’s President and CEO. “Bruce Power is uniquely positioned for potential expansion, with decades of experience, a well-studied site, significant space for expansion, strong community support and an experienced workforce.”
“Canada’s nuclear industry supports 76,000 well-paying, highly skilled jobs, generating billions in GDP annually while providing a vital supply of carbon-free electricity to advance our climate targets,” Rencheck said. “As we assess potential expansion options, we will lean on the knowledge and skills of our industry, built through more than a half century of operational experience.”
Bruce Power is also collaborating with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to develop a feasibility study for potential future nuclear generation in Ontario, which may leverage information from the EOI.
As Bruce Power evaluates clean technology opportunities, it will engage with independent, non-profit energy R&D institute EPRI and the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII), an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides a platform for accelerating the pace of innovation in the nuclear industry. Also, community, Indigenous and public engagement will be conducted in an open and transparent through the process.
Together, Bruce Power, the institutes, and companies will collaborate with industry leaders to shape and drive technology application opportunities.
