The contract is for Fuelling Machine (FM) head engineering and component supply as part of the refurbishment of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.
The $50 million contract will be executed by BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. in Peterborough, where a team of more than 250 employees 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 as stated in their press release.
BWXT also says that FM heads are part of the remote-controlled system that allows continuous on-power fuelling in CANDU reactors similar to Darlington’s.
“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.”
Darlington is in the midst of a planned midlife overhaul after operating for 30 years. 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.
BWXT employs over 400 workers at the Monaghan Road plant, have hired roughly 120 employees in the past two years and currently has 21 job openings according to Natalie Cutler, BWXT director of communications.
“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.”
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Michelle Ferreri displayed her endorsement for the new contract.
“The Conservative government is really proud to support nuclear,” she said. “We are leaders of the whole country doing this.”
The project is projected to result in an $89.9 billion boost to Ontario’s economy, create approximately 14,000 jobs annually and increase Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP): every $1.00 spent on the project increases GDP by $1.40, on average. according to the Conference Board of Canada.
“Good, family-supporting jobs in our community benefit and grow our local economy, with indirect jobs created across our region,” said MPP Dave Smith. “This new $50 million contract will sustain these jobs and support our economic recovery for years to come.”
