Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has given the go-ahead to Bruce Power to proceed its Unit 5 Major Component Replacement (MCR) project next year.

The Unit 5 MCR outage will be Bruce Power’s fourth as it renews Units 3-8 over the next eight years, returning the units to service to provide clean and affordable electricity to the people of Ontario for decades to come, as well as a stable supply of medical isotopes to patients around the world.

The organization says that one of the keys to its success has been building experience on the projects to refurbish the previous three projects.

“Our government is squarely focused on delivering affordable power while building, buying, and securing more energy that is built by and for Canadians,” said Energy Minister Stephen Lecce. “Renewing Bruce Power’s Unit 5 MCR alongside nearly all of our nuclear fleets will enable us to secure more clean, reliable, and affordable electricity we need to power our homes and businesses for generations to come.”

The privately funded projects generate $10 billion in annual economic activity, bolstering local and provincial economies while strengthening Canada’s energy independence.

Bruce Power’s Life-Extension Program is Canada’s largest private sector clean energy infrastructure project, with about 90 per cent of purchasing in Canada, supporting hundreds of businesses throughout the province.

The program creates significant, long-term employment for Ontario’s building and construction trades. It also creates and sustains 22,000 jobs across the province annually.