BWXT delivers safe storage for Darlington Refurbishment

As the Darlington Refurbishment project moves into the next stage of its Unit 2 schedule, OPG is recognizing Cambridge-based BWXT Canada’s delivery of specialized Re-tube Waste Containers that will provide safe and secure storage for removed reactor components.

Made of 11-inch thick, high-density concrete and encased with carbon steel-plate shielding, each of the 113 containers stands nine feet tall and weighs approximately 45 tonnes.

“These unique storage containers, and other products and services we’ve been fortunate to supply for the Darlington Refurbishment project, allow BWXT and our suppliers to maintain high-skilled, high-paying jobs for our local communities, while helping support the generation of low-cost and clean energy for Ontarians,” said John MacQuarrie, president of BWXT Canada.

BWXT worked collaboratively with the Joint Venture Group (SNC-Lavalin and Aecon) to design and manufacture these nuclear-grade containers, ensuring they meet stringent design requirements. BWXT also worked with three Ontario-based sub-suppliers to meet this commitment.

“BWXT is pleased to be supplying innovative solutions for the largest clean energy project in Canada,” said MacQuarrie.

The Darlington Refurbishment project is approaching the one-year mark of Unit 2’s 40-month long refurbishment. The project remains on schedule and on budget.

OPG’s $12.8-billion project has enabled BWXT to retain many skilled workers, create several positions and invest in the modernization of their manufacturing facility. The company has also procured new equipment and machinery to execute refurbishment work.

BWXT’s successful delivery of these containers means the Darlington Refurbishment project can power forward into the next phase with the removal of pressure tubes and end-fittings, which are two types of components that will be stored inside the Re-tube Waste Containers.

OPG will begin shipping the containers to OPG’s Re-tube Waste Storage Building this November.