Northern Transformer Hosts Industry Leaders for Bruce Power Unit 3 Nuclear Refurbishment Announcement
June 10, 2026
Northern Transformer hosted an announcement by Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, that Bruce Power’s Unit 3 has successfully returned to service following its Major Component Replacement program, more than seven months ahead of schedule.
The refurbished unit will deliver over 800 MW of clean, reliable power, enough to supply more than 800,000 homes for decades. The Bruce Power Life-Extension Program also supports around 27,000 jobs and contributes approximately $4 billion annually to Ontario’s economy.
At Northern Transformer are proud to be part of the Made-in-Canada supply chain that supports projects like this. As electricity demand continues to grow across Ontario, driven by electrification, data centers, and industrial expansion, the need for reliable transmission and transformation infrastructure becomes increasingly critical.
“I would like to congratulate Minister Lecce for being a strong supporter of investment in our electricity system and Bruce Power for the remarkable accomplishment of completing the refurbishment ahead of schedule and under budget. This goes a long way to win public support for more nuclear power, clean, reliable, and affordable electrical power made here in Ontario. Our team at Northern Transformer is very proud of our contribution to this successful achievement and looks forward to continue building a mutually beneficial long-term relationship.”
– Giovanni Marcelli, Chairman of the Board, Northern Transformer Corporation
Bruce Power’s Unit 3 reactor refurbishment was completed seven months ahead of schedule and under budget, saving ratepayers $150 million.
Originally scheduled to return to service in January 2027, this early completion is the most expedient refurbishment in Ontario to date and reinforces the province’s position as a global leader in nuclear energy. The refurbished reactor will provide more than 800 megawatts (MW) of reliable, affordable and clean power for over 35 years, enough to power more than 800,000 homes. Bruce Power’s operations and Life-Extension Program supports approximately 27,000 direct and indirect Ontario jobs and injects $4 billion into the province’s economy each year.
The Unit 3 refurbishment replaced key components such as fuel channels, feeder tubes, and steam generators. This refurbishment also marked a significant step in nuclear innovation with the first robotic tools used ever on a reactor face to refurbish a CANDU reactor, as well as setting a record for calandria tube removal completing it 11 days ahead of schedule.
The Bruce Power Life-Extension Program will refurbish six reactors, extending the operating life of the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station through 2064. Once at full power, the refurbished reactor will generate enough electricity to power a city the size of Brampton, while helping Ontario to meet electricity demand forecasted to grow by up to 90 per cent by 2050.
The project also reinforces Ontario’s domestic nuclear supply chain, with 95 per cent of Bruce Power’s spending staying in Canada, further positioning the province as a world-class nuclear powerhouse. Ontario will continue to leverage its nuclear technology and expertise as other jurisdictions around the globe are rapidly turning to nuclear to support economic growth and energy independence.
“With Unit 3 now back in service and providing safe, clean, and reliable electricity to the province, we continue to demonstrate that large-scale nuclear projects in Ontario can be delivered safely, efficiently, and with real benefits for ratepayers,” said Eric Chassard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bruce Power. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our workforce, our skilled trades partners, and the strength of our made-in-Canada nuclear industry.”
Quick Facts
The refurbished nuclear reactor units will target upwards of 7,000 MW of net peak output in the early-2030s.The Bruce Nuclear Generating Station is one of the largest operating nuclear sites in the world, and the ongoing refurbishment of six of its nuclear reactors furthers the province’s world-leading commitment to advancing nuclear power projects. Ontario’s nuclear expertise includes the successful refurbishment of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, advancement of Canada’s first large-scale nuclear build in 30 years with the Bruce C project making Bruce the largest nuclear generating facility in the on earth, construction of the first of four small modular reactors (SMRs) in the G7 at the Darlington site, advancement of new nuclear generation at the Wesleyville site, and the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
Ontario’s nuclear industry supports around 80,000 good-paying jobs in communities across the province.
Nuclear power currently provides 50 per cent of Ontario’s electricity supply and has positioned Ontario as one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world.
Bruce Unit 3 is the second of six units undergoing refurbishment between 2020 and 2033 as part of Bruce Power’s Life‑Extension Program.
The privately funded program to refurbish Units 3-8 will extend the life of the Bruce Power site through 2064.
Bruce Unit 3 was removed from service March 2023. The Unit 4 MCR outage began in February of 2025 and the Unit 5 MCR is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
