2021 Annual Review
2021 Annual Review
and Energy Report
2021 Annual Review
and Energy Report
Scroll down for the Annual Review or click here for the Energy Report.
2021 Annual Review
Powering
Ontario
Forward
Proud past
Bright future
Bruce Power reached a milestone on May 11, 2021, marking 20 years of safe, reliable operation.
Bruce Power reached a milestone on May 11, 2021, marking 20 years of safe, reliable operation.
Powering Ontario Forward
+
20yrs Bruce Power is formed in 2001
U
1-4 Units restarted in Bruce power’s first 11 years
U
3-8
Units to be refurbished to extend reactor life and produce medical isotopes for years to come
Canada’s clean energy future
A message from Mike Rencheck, President and Chief Executive Officer
Since becoming Canada’s only private nuclear operator in 2001, providing Ontario residents and businesses with clean, reliable and affordable energy, Bruce Power has established a solid footing and is looking forward to a dynamic future.
The first 11 years of the company’s operation was dedicated to restarting Units 1-4, which increased the lifespan of the eight-unit site from 2018 to 2035 and provided the province with 70 per cent of the carbon-free energy it needed to shut down coal plants. In December 2015, the company signed an amended agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to extend the life of Units 3-8 over the next two decades, securing the long-term future of the site through 2064.
We are not resting on our laurels as one of the largest operating nuclear sites in the world and we’re stepping up our commitment to performance excellence and innovation, as well as our value of social responsibility.
We’re expanding our reach into medical isotopes, which are used to sterilize medical equipment and treat cancer, improving the lives of millions of people around the world.
We’re also excited about our role in helping Ontario meet its climate change and economic recovery goals.
On behalf of everyone at Bruce Power, I am proud to share our vision with you. Our 2021 Annual Review and Energy Report will provide you with insights on how we’re powering Ontario forward.
The first 11 years of the company’s operation was dedicated to restarting Units 1-4, which increased the lifespan of the eight-unit site from 2018 to 2035 and provided the province with 70 per cent of the carbon-free energy it needed to shut down coal plants. In December 2015, the company signed an amended agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to extend the life of Units 3-8 over the next two decades, securing the long-term future of the site through 2064.
We are not resting on our laurels as one of the largest operating nuclear sites in the world and we’re stepping up our commitment to performance excellence and innovation, as well as our value of social responsibility.
We’re expanding our reach into medical isotopes, which are used to sterilize medical equipment and treat cancer, improving the lives of millions of people around the world.
We’re also excited about our role in helping Ontario meet its climate change and economic recovery goals.
On behalf of everyone at Bruce Power, I am proud to share our vision with you. Our 2021 Annual Review and Energy Report will provide you with insights on how we’re powering Ontario forward.
Electric outlook
for Ontario
Major Component Replacement
project by the numbers:
40
Years of site operation following Unit 6 Major Component Replacement
60
+
Suppliers that have opened offices or warehouses in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties
145
t
Weight of each of the eight steam generators replaced in Unit 6
“MCR will allow us to continue providing people and businesses across Ontario with reliable, low-cost, clean electricity for decades to come.”
Eric Chassard, Executive Vice-President, Projects and Engineering,
Bruce Power
MCR projects provide power for the people
Extending the operational life of the Bruce Power units will ensure the people of Ontario have a safe and reliable supply of electricity at a stable price for decades to come.
One of Canada’s largest infrastructure projects will see Units 3-8 refurbished over the next several years. The Unit 6 Major Component Replacement (MCR) Project, which began in January 2020, reached several critical milestones in 2021 and planning is well under way for the Unit 3 MCR, scheduled to begin in 2023.
The reactor removal work in Unit 6 was completed in July. Bruce Power’s MCR team, along with vendor partners, spent about 10 months removing feeder tubes, pressure tubes, calandria tubes and other important internal components of the Unit 6 reactor in preparation for the installation of new parts that will extend the life of the unit for 40 years.
A huge effort has gone into the removal and replacement of the Unit 6 steam generators. Unit 6 contains eight steam generators, arranged vertically in two columns of four on the east and west sides of the reactor. Each steam generator is lifted through the powerhouse roof using Mammoet’s massive PTC-35 crane.
The installation and inspection series of the Unit 6 MCR will continue in 2022, with the unit’s return-to-service scheduled for 2023.
MCR is part of Bruce Power’s Life-Extension Program and will support an estimated 5,000 jobs directly and indirectly every year through 2033. The innovations and lessons learned in the Unit 6 MCR are being applied to streamline future projects.
One of Canada’s largest infrastructure projects will see Units 3-8 refurbished over the next several years. The Unit 6 Major Component Replacement (MCR) Project, which began in January 2020, reached several critical milestones in 2021 and planning is well under way for the Unit 3 MCR, scheduled to begin in 2023.
The reactor removal work in Unit 6 was completed in July. Bruce Power’s MCR team, along with vendor partners, spent about 10 months removing feeder tubes, pressure tubes, calandria tubes and other important internal components of the Unit 6 reactor in preparation for the installation of new parts that will extend the life of the unit for 40 years.
A huge effort has gone into the removal and replacement of the Unit 6 steam generators. Unit 6 contains eight steam generators, arranged vertically in two columns of four on the east and west sides of the reactor. Each steam generator is lifted through the powerhouse roof using Mammoet’s massive PTC-35 crane.
The installation and inspection series of the Unit 6 MCR will continue in 2022, with the unit’s return-to-service scheduled for 2023.
MCR is part of Bruce Power’s Life-Extension Program and will support an estimated 5,000 jobs directly and indirectly every year through 2033. The innovations and lessons learned in the Unit 6 MCR are being applied to streamline future projects.
Bruce Power commitments:
$
3B investment in economic recovery over next 18 months
7,000
+
Target megawatt output of Bruce Power site as part of Project 2030
250,000
More Ontario homes, businesses and hospitals powered by megawatt uprate to 6,500
“Project 2030 is an impressive goal and one that I know will be reached by Bruce Power. Their commitment to expanding the supply of affordable energy while also meeting climate change targets is commendable and I congratulate everyone involved.”
Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron-Bruce
Reaching new heights in generation
Through innovation and investment into its facilities, Bruce Power has been able to increase its site generation peak to 6,550 Megawatts (MW).
Along with Major Component Replacement (MCR) and asset management and optimization initiatives, Project 2030 will see Bruce Power support the province’s and country’s climate change targets and future clean energy needs by producing upwards of 7,000 MW by 2030. This increase in Bruce Power’s generation peak is equivalent to adding an entire full nuclear plant capacity through optimization of existing assets, without the need to build new infrastructure.
Project 2030 will focus on continued asset optimization, innovations, and leveraging new technologies, which could include integration with storage and other forms of energy to increase the site peak output at Bruce Power.
“Ontario’s nuclear industry is well prepared to support the creation of new opportunities for growth, jobs and drive emissions reductions,” said Hon. Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “By increasing its energy output, Bruce Power is leading the way, providing clean energy to hundreds of thousands of additional homes, while at the same time harvesting medical isotopes that will save lives through sterilization of medical equipment and fighting cancer.”
Along with Major Component Replacement (MCR) and asset management and optimization initiatives, Project 2030 will see Bruce Power support the province’s and country’s climate change targets and future clean energy needs by producing upwards of 7,000 MW by 2030. This increase in Bruce Power’s generation peak is equivalent to adding an entire full nuclear plant capacity through optimization of existing assets, without the need to build new infrastructure.
Project 2030 will focus on continued asset optimization, innovations, and leveraging new technologies, which could include integration with storage and other forms of energy to increase the site peak output at Bruce Power.
“Ontario’s nuclear industry is well prepared to support the creation of new opportunities for growth, jobs and drive emissions reductions,” said Hon. Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “By increasing its energy output, Bruce Power is leading the way, providing clean energy to hundreds of thousands of additional homes, while at the same time harvesting medical isotopes that will save lives through sterilization of medical equipment and fighting cancer.”
Doing our part for
climate change
Bruce Power commitments:
2027
Bruce Power’s commitment to become a Net Zero site
2050
Helping Ontario and Canada meet Net Zero goals
$
500M Amount in Green Bonds issued in 2021
“Canada is a Tier-1 nuclear nation and will reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Ambitious leadership like that being shown here by Bruce Power will get us there.”
Hon. Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources for the Government of Canada
Canada needs nuclear to achieve Net Zero
In 2021, Bruce Power launched a number of initiatives, including a commitment to Net Zero from site operations by 2027 and unveiling the Carbon Off-set Coalition, a Net Zero carbon reduction community partnership program. Bruce Power has made the commitment to help positively affect climate change by setting tangible goals in support of our communities, the province and the country.
The nuclear industry has the opportunity to play a leadership role in the fight against climate change and the push towards Canada’s Net Zero 2050 target.
In April, Bruce Power formally announced its commitment to be a Net Zero company by 2027, becoming the first nuclear operator in the North America to set such an ambitious target.
Bruce Power Net Zero Inc. will focus on projects that are complementary to leverage Bruce Power nuclear, including storage, carbon off-sets, renewables, hydrogen, and electrified transportation. Starting from this position of strength, Bruce Power Net Zero Inc. will leverage investments to generate pathways to achieve Net Zero by 2027.
In 2021, Bruce Power announced the issuance of $500 million in Green Bonds, which is a global first for nuclear power and recognition of the critical role the technology plays in fighting climate change and enabling a Net Zero future.
The nuclear industry has the opportunity to play a leadership role in the fight against climate change and the push towards Canada’s Net Zero 2050 target.
In April, Bruce Power formally announced its commitment to be a Net Zero company by 2027, becoming the first nuclear operator in the North America to set such an ambitious target.
Bruce Power Net Zero Inc. will focus on projects that are complementary to leverage Bruce Power nuclear, including storage, carbon off-sets, renewables, hydrogen, and electrified transportation. Starting from this position of strength, Bruce Power Net Zero Inc. will leverage investments to generate pathways to achieve Net Zero by 2027.
In 2021, Bruce Power announced the issuance of $500 million in Green Bonds, which is a global first for nuclear power and recognition of the critical role the technology plays in fighting climate change and enabling a Net Zero future.
Life- saving
medical isotopes
Advancements over the past year:
25
B
Pairs of gloves or COVID-19 swabs that could be sterilized from two Cobalt-60 harvests
40
%
The world’s single-use medical equipment that is sterilized with Cobalt-60
1
wk
Time it will take for Ytterbium-176 to be irradiated in a Bruce Power reactor to produce Lutetium-177
“Ontario is a leader in medical isotopes and the world is counting on us to keep hospitals clean and safe, and diagnose and treat cancer.”
Bill Walker, Member of Provincial Parliament, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
Leading the way in nuclear medicine
Launching a new, innovative production system.
Already a leader in the production of medical isotopes, Bruce Power has made steps toward expanding its capabilities in supplying new life-saving isotopes to the world market.
Bruce Power conducted two Cobalt-60 harvests during planned outages at Bruce B in 2021. Through its partnership with Ottawa-based Nordion, Cobalt-60 is used in the sterilization of single-use medical equipment and in transformative cancer treatments such as the Gamma Knife©.
In September, Bruce Power received approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to begin commissioning for the production of Lutetium-177, a breakthrough therapeutic isotope used in the treatment of prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours.
In November, a Private Member’s motion asserting Ontario’s global role as a leader in the supply of medical isotopes to fight COVID, keep hospitals safe, and fight cancer, received unanimous, all-party support in the Ontario Legislature.
This innovative project began in 2019, when Bruce Power announced its partnership with Isogen (a joint venture between Framatome and Kinectrics) to develop a made-in-Ontario Isotope Production System (IPS) to produce urgently needed medical isotopes, leveraging Bruce Power nuclear infrastructure as the backbone. Installation began in Unit 7 in late 2021, and, with final commissioning expected in early 2022, Bruce Power will become the first commercial power reactor in the world to produce Lutetium-177.
The advancement of the Lutetium-177 project further cements Bruce Power and Ontario as a hub of nuclear innovation and isotope production, and matures Canada’s status as a leader among the international medical isotope community.
Bruce Power conducted two Cobalt-60 harvests during planned outages at Bruce B in 2021. Through its partnership with Ottawa-based Nordion, Cobalt-60 is used in the sterilization of single-use medical equipment and in transformative cancer treatments such as the Gamma Knife©.
In September, Bruce Power received approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to begin commissioning for the production of Lutetium-177, a breakthrough therapeutic isotope used in the treatment of prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours.
In November, a Private Member’s motion asserting Ontario’s global role as a leader in the supply of medical isotopes to fight COVID, keep hospitals safe, and fight cancer, received unanimous, all-party support in the Ontario Legislature.
This innovative project began in 2019, when Bruce Power announced its partnership with Isogen (a joint venture between Framatome and Kinectrics) to develop a made-in-Ontario Isotope Production System (IPS) to produce urgently needed medical isotopes, leveraging Bruce Power nuclear infrastructure as the backbone. Installation began in Unit 7 in late 2021, and, with final commissioning expected in early 2022, Bruce Power will become the first commercial power reactor in the world to produce Lutetium-177.
The advancement of the Lutetium-177 project further cements Bruce Power and Ontario as a hub of nuclear innovation and isotope production, and matures Canada’s status as a leader among the international medical isotope community.
Bruce Power is helping to make Canada a global leader in the production of medical isotopes, used in the sterilization of medical equipment and in the diagnosis and treatment of certain forms of cancer, here at home and in countries around the world.
“It’s very exciting times for SON as we move forward to the next phase of the isotope project with Bruce Power. We are proud to play a leadership role in the global fight against cancer, while building economic opportunities in our community.”
Chief Lester Anoquot, Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation
Growing roots with Indigenous communities
Bruce Power remains committed to fostering a strong connection with Indigenous communities through meaningful partnerships, employment for skilled workers, and training opportunities.
Bruce Power’s collaboration with Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) will see the partners jointly marketing new isotopes in support of the global fight against cancer while also working together in creating new economic opportunities within the SON by establishing new isotope infrastructure.
The partnership, which includes a revenue-sharing model for SON, is named Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin, which means ‘We are Teaming up on the Sickness’ in the traditional Anishinaabe language.
Bruce Power also signed a supplier agreement with Makwa-Cahill, a new partnership focused on industry fabrication and other strategic opportunities in the energy sector.
The Indigenous-owned venture will undertake fabrication activities for Bruce Power, while creating employment, training and skill development opportunities for local Indigenous peoples.
A first-of-a-kind training program between the Millwright Regional Council of Ontario (MRCO), the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI), the First Nations Power Authority (FNPA), Huronia Area Aboriginal Management Board (HAAMB), the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario (AABO), and Bruce Power saw its first graduates in 2021.
Bruce Power continues to work and collaborate with the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Historic Saugeen Métis communities to develop customized employment and training programs that create meaningful employment jobs for Métis citizens.
Our relationship with Cameco drives Indigenous engagement across many fronts including employment and Indigenous participation in supply chains which includes the joint venture between Makwa Developments (Ontario based First Nation owned company) and TRON construction (Saskatchewan based First Nation owned company).
Bruce Power’s collaboration with Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) will see the partners jointly marketing new isotopes in support of the global fight against cancer while also working together in creating new economic opportunities within the SON by establishing new isotope infrastructure.
The partnership, which includes a revenue-sharing model for SON, is named Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin, which means ‘We are Teaming up on the Sickness’ in the traditional Anishinaabe language.
Bruce Power also signed a supplier agreement with Makwa-Cahill, a new partnership focused on industry fabrication and other strategic opportunities in the energy sector.
The Indigenous-owned venture will undertake fabrication activities for Bruce Power, while creating employment, training and skill development opportunities for local Indigenous peoples.
A first-of-a-kind training program between the Millwright Regional Council of Ontario (MRCO), the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI), the First Nations Power Authority (FNPA), Huronia Area Aboriginal Management Board (HAAMB), the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario (AABO), and Bruce Power saw its first graduates in 2021.
Bruce Power continues to work and collaborate with the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Historic Saugeen Métis communities to develop customized employment and training programs that create meaningful employment jobs for Métis citizens.
Our relationship with Cameco drives Indigenous engagement across many fronts including employment and Indigenous participation in supply chains which includes the joint venture between Makwa Developments (Ontario based First Nation owned company) and TRON construction (Saskatchewan based First Nation owned company).
Helping Ontario
recover & grow
Leading in the fight against COVID-19
Since the onset of the pandemic, Bruce Power has provided more than three million pieces of personal protective equipment to frontline workers, businesses, Indigenous communities and schools — the largest announced donation from a private-sector business in Canada.
The company also spent more than $1 million on public education efforts, community protection, shop local initiatives, activities and organizations that promote mental and physical health, lending a helping hand to those in need.
In 2021, the company teamed up with health units across Ontario to establish Hockey Hub mass vaccination centres to ensure thousands of residents had easier access to life-saving vaccines.
Bruce Power provided resources and knowledge to numerous health units in some of the pandemic’s hardest hit areas using the Hockey Hub model, which was developed by Dr. Ian Arra, the Grey Bruce Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health.
The large-scale vaccination clinics used a streamlined flow-through process to quickly administer vaccines while requiring fewer clinical staff than traditional clinics – getting more needles in arms, and lowering the risk of COVID-19 spread across the province.
Bruce Power was able to provide full support to three vaccination hubs in Grey-Bruce, as well as the Peel and Lambton regions, while providing additional logistical and financial support to Hockey Hubs in the regions of Waterloo, Norfolk, Hamilton and Halton.
By working together with Ontario’s health units, Bruce Power helped keep residents safe and healthy through the important vaccination stage of the pandemic.
The company also spent more than $1 million on public education efforts, community protection, shop local initiatives, activities and organizations that promote mental and physical health, lending a helping hand to those in need.
In 2021, the company teamed up with health units across Ontario to establish Hockey Hub mass vaccination centres to ensure thousands of residents had easier access to life-saving vaccines.
Bruce Power provided resources and knowledge to numerous health units in some of the pandemic’s hardest hit areas using the Hockey Hub model, which was developed by Dr. Ian Arra, the Grey Bruce Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health.
The large-scale vaccination clinics used a streamlined flow-through process to quickly administer vaccines while requiring fewer clinical staff than traditional clinics – getting more needles in arms, and lowering the risk of COVID-19 spread across the province.
Bruce Power was able to provide full support to three vaccination hubs in Grey-Bruce, as well as the Peel and Lambton regions, while providing additional logistical and financial support to Hockey Hubs in the regions of Waterloo, Norfolk, Hamilton and Halton.
By working together with Ontario’s health units, Bruce Power helped keep residents safe and healthy through the important vaccination stage of the pandemic.
Hockey Hub model boosts vaccination efforts
Bruce Power’s financial, logistical, setup and volunteer support was used throughout Southern Ontario, helping to vaccinate thousands of people, including 47,000 in the Peel region alone.
- Saugeen Ojibway Nation – 36-bed recovery centre at SON Rec Centre following community outbreak
- Grey/Bruce Hockey Hubs – Owen Sound, Hanover and Kincardine
- Lambton Hockey Hub – Point Edward and Sarnia
- Waterloo Region Hockey Hub – Bingemans, Kitchener
- Nofolk Hockey Hub – Cayuga
- Hamilton Hockey Hub
- Halton Hockey Hub
- Peel Hockey Hub – Brampton
