Darlington refurbishment project ahead of schedule
Ontario Power Generation’s expansive refurbishment project on its four 878-MWe CANDU units at the Darlington nuclear power plant is proceeding faster than expected, OPG announced on September 17.
Company officials shared in a second quarter progress update that the overall scope of work is 86 percent complete—and Unit 1 is on pace to go back on line in the fourth quarter this year. Work is proceeding on Unit 4, and Units 2 and 3 are completed. OPG started the 10-year refurbishment project in 2016.
The project thus far is “exceeding all safety, quality, schedule, and financial forecasts,” OPG said, adding, “Resource optimization reviews continued for prioritization during Units 1 and 4 overlap.”
The work at Darlington is part of a larger energy strategy for OPG and Canada, as forecasts show the demand for electricity is expected to double in the next 25 years.
Milestones: As of June 30, which marked the end of the Q2, Unit 1 refurbishment execution was 95 percent complete, with the restoration of the reactor vault forecasted to be complete in Q3. Unit 1 work accomplishments include completion of turbine generator controls software changes and hardware upgrades, and primary moisture separator replacement on all 4 steam generators.
The Unit 1 reactor and supporting systems were undergoing tests in preparation for regulatory approval to restart the unit by the end of this year.
Unit 4 refurbishment execution is 42 percent complete and remains on schedule. Highlights include the completion of calandria tube insert removal, allowing for the ongoing work on the removal of 480 calandria tubes and pressure tubes in a combined work series, with completion forecasted for Q3. Unit 4 noncritical work includes the completion of condenser and moisture separator reheater work as scheduled, progressing with the installation of the turbine generator controls upgrade, inspection of steam turbine blades, and preparation for the generator stator rewind.
Benefits: According to an independent report by the Conference Board of Canada, the Darlington refurbishment project and potential 30 additional years of plant operation are expected to generate a total of C$89.9 billion (about $68 billion) in economic benefits for Ontario, create 14,200 jobs per year, and boost personal income by an average of C$1.6 billion (about $1.2 billion) on an annual basis.
