Bruce Power to start impact assessment process for Bruce C

Monday, 23 October 2023

Days after announcing the launch of an Expression of Interest process to explore technology options for up to 4800 MWe of new nuclear capacity at its existing site, the company submitted a letter of intent to the heads of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) providing "a formal notice of Bruce Power's intent to submit an application for a Licence to Prepare Site and commence an Impact Assessment".

"The company is advancing this process in a proactive, open and transparent manner in order to engage Indigenous peoples, our communities and the public early in the process as a planning tool to meet Ontario's long-term energy needs," said Bruce Power’s Chief Development Officer and Executive Vice-President of Operational Services James Scongack.

Bruce Power previously applied for a licence to prepare for construction of up to four new reactors - totalling up to 4000 MWe - in 2007, but withdrew its application in 2009 as the company focused on the refurbishment of the existing Bruce A and B units. The company says the return to service of the four Bruce A units after being laid up in the late 1990s was "one of the largest greenhouse gas reduction initiatives in the world", leading to 70% of the energy needed for the province to phase out coal-fired generation entirely in 2014."The goal is to build on this success," the company said.

The start of pre-development work for up to 4800 MWe at the Bruce site is a key part of the province's long-term electricity framework, Powering Ontario’s Growth, which was launched in July. The additional capacity - referred to as Bruce C - would complement the eight existing reactors at the Bruce A and B generation facilities, the company said.

In its letter to the regulators, Bruce Power says the site was selected "given its unique and strong characteristics" and is a well-studied site supported by "decades" of previous approvals. There is "ample" space on the 932 hectare site, connections to existing transmission corridors, and the support of a skilled workforce and an engaged and supportive local community.

"Canada is at an important juncture, we will only be able to address climate change, advance a net zero future and grow our economy through investment in long-term clean electricity infrastructure," it went on. "By starting early and engaging in pre-development work, it will place Canada in a strong position to be successful and inclusive while tackling these challenges. This approach will result in greater long-term certainty so we can address the challenges ahead together."