Mammoet is helping extend the life of one of the world’s largest nuclear power plants, Bruce Power 

Mammoet is supporting one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world, Bruce Power, through its Major Component Replacement projects in Ontario, Canada.

The MCR projects began in January 2020 to replace major components within six reactor units (Units 3-8) across two stations, Bruce A and B. During regular operation these stations power more than 30 per cent of the province and produce cancer-fighting medical isotopes.

These significant refurbishment projects form part of a larger Life-Extension program which began in 2016 to extend the site’s life to 2064. Being Ontario’s largest private sector clean-energy initiative, the Life-Extension program will provide clean, sustainable and reliable energy to contribute to Canada’s climate targets.

Working with the Steam Generator Replacement Team, comprising of Aecon, United Engineers & Constructors and Framatome, Mammoet is supporting the removal and installation of 90 tonne steam generators. To access and replace 16 of Bruce A’s steam generators, SGRT must first lift and temporarily store 300-tonne steam drums. Mammoet’s PTC-35 ring crane – one of the world’s highest capacity land-based cranes – is on site to undertake all of this work.

Other specialist Mammoet equipment will continue to be in use for on-site movements and replacement of heat exchangers, electrical equipment, and transformers.

Following completion of the first MCR project of Unit 6 in Bruce B, work began on Unit 3 at Bruce A. The Unit 4 refurbishment at Bruce A begins in February and the remaining three units will follow.

Kyle Hannah, Account Manager at Mammoet, said: “We are delighted to be contributing to this important refurbishment project for Bruce Power, and to build on a relationship stretching back to the early nineties.

As the world’s largest engineered heavy lifting and transport company, we are well-placed to ensure that one of the world’s largest nuclear extension programs proceeds smoothly, and – most importantly – safely.

With its huge outreach, the PTC35 is the ideal tool to reach deep into existing facilities such as this, allowing all installations to take place without relocating lifting equipment and affecting the project schedule.”

Rob Hoare, Vice President, MCR Execution, Bruce Power, added:  “We have worked with Mammoet for many years. They have a great understanding of the way we work, our facility and the high levels of safety and execution needed for the maintenance of nuclear power plants.

They provide the right people and equipment at the time we need them to complete projects safely and efficiently.”