Mammoet helps to enhance one of the world’s largest nuclear power plants

Mammoet's Major Component Replacement (MCR) projects in Ontario, Canada, is helping refurbish one of the world's largest nuclear power plants, operated by Bruce Power. Launched in January 2020, the MCR projects aim to replace key components in six reactor units (Units 3-8) across the Bruce A and B stations. These facilities supply over 30 percent of the province's electricity and produce life-saving cancer-fighting medical isotopes.

These significant projects are part of a larger life-extension program which began in 2016 to extend the site's life to 2064. As Ontario's largest private-sector clean-energy initiative, the program will deliver clean, sustainable, and reliable energy to help achieve Canada's climate targets.

Working with the Steam Generator Replacement Team (SGRT), comprising 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. For this complex task, Mammoet's PTC-35 ring crane, one of the world's highest-capacity land-based cranes, is on-site. 

Other specialist Mammoet equipment will continue to be in use for on-site movements and replacement of heat exchangers, electrical equipment, and transformers.  Following the completion of the Unit 6 MCR project at Bruce B, work began on Unit 3 at Bruce A. The Unit 4 refurbishment at Bruce A is set to start in February, with the remaining three units to follow.

"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." says Kyle Hannah, account manager at Mammoet. "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." 

"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." added Rob Hoare, vice president, MCR execution, for Bruce Power. "They provide the right people and equipment at the time we need them to complete projects safely and efficiently."