Bruce Power plans mighty turbines to boost nuclear plant output by 125 megawatts
Canada’s Bruce Power announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement with Siemens Energy Canada to supply new high-pressure steam turbines for its four Bruce A nuclear power units.
The upgrades are expected to increase each unit’s output by about 30 MW, adding almost 125 MW of clean electricity to Ontario’s grid. The turbine replacements will be completed between 2028 and 2031.
“Upgrading a power plant is the fastest way to get more energy onto the grid,” stated Arne Wohlschlegel, Managing Director of Siemens Energy Canada. “When this upgrade is complete, Bruce Power will be able to deliver more clean energy throughout Ontario and extend the life of this plant for another 30 years.”
The turbines being replaced were originally made by C.A. Parsons, now part of Siemens Energy. This step is part of the company’s broader Project 2030 and Life-Extension asset management programs, aimed at increasing output while extending the life of its reactors.
Project 2030 and life-extension goals
Project 2030 includes a series of measures across the site to optimize power output. The goal is to increase total output to 7,000 MW in the 2030s, roughly equivalent to adding one large-scale nuclear reactor. The program combines turbine upgrades with other improvements to maximize efficiency and reliability.
“Bruce Power’s project work is enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our existing units and providing more clean energy for the people, homes, businesses, and hospitals in Ontario,” noted David Furr, Vice-President, Supply Chain for Bruce Power.
The life-extension aspect of the program, known as the Major Component Replacement (MCR), involves replacing critical reactor components, including steam generators, pressure tubes, calandria tubes, and feeder tubes. This process adds 30-35 years to each reactor’s operating life.
Bruce 6 has already completed its MCR and returned to commercial service in September. Unit 3 is currently undergoing the procedure, and Units 5, 7, and 8 will follow in overlapping outages until 2033.
Modernizing Bruce A for the future
Bruce A consists of four nuclear units: two Candu-791 reactors and two Candu-750 reactors. The new Siemens turbines will replace older units to improve reliability and efficiency. This modernization is expected to deliver steady clean energy for decades and support Ontario’s energy needs as demand grows.
Siemens Energy will manage the project from its Port Elgin office, which has been in operation since 2019.
The partnership also strengthens local jobs and contributes to the province’s economy. The firm’s Strategic Alliance Agreement with Siemens Energy ensures ongoing support and collaboration on these upgrades.
Clean energy for Ontario’s grid
The turbine replacement and broader Project 2030 initiatives provide a low-cost method to add substantial new generation capacity without building new reactors. By enhancing existing units, Bruce Power can deliver more clean electricity to Ontario’s homes, hospitals, and businesses while extending reactor lifespans.
Replacing turbines originally manufactured by C.A. Parsons ensures the long-term reliability of the Bruce A units. The upgrades also support Bruce Power’s goals to modernize the plant, increase output, and meet operational demands through the 2030s.