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Steam Generator Recycle Program

About the project

Bruce Power is trying to reduce our environmental footprint by recycling 16 steam generators removed from our Bruce A facility instead of placing them into long term storage

By recycling these 100 tonne steam generators, which basically act as large kettles to make steam as part of the electricity generating process, we can reduce the amount of material going into long-term storage by approximately 90 per cent. Much of the metal can be decontaminated, melted down and sold back into the scrap metal market. The rest will be returned to the Bruce site for long-term storage.

Transportation of the steam generators will be performed by qualified companies with proven experience in moving heavy components.

The steam generators are considered low level radioactive waste and are well within regulatory limits to ship.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission states very clearly on its website that the steam generators do not present a risk to the public or environment.
View CNSC statement

The Medical Officer of Health for Bruce Grey has also concluded the project does not present any risk to the public. View article 

This is not the first time used steam generators have been shipped to Sweden for recycling. They are often transported in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

In fact, radioactive materials, such as medical and industrial isotopes, are shipped across Canada and around the world on a regular basis without any risk to the public or the environment.  

The transport of nuclear materials is strictly regulated and has an impressive safety record spanning over several decades. No form of transport is subject to a more stringent framework of regulation.

The only difference between this shipment and the thousands of other shipments made each year is the size of these components. Because they do not fit into the containers traditionally used for shipping low level radioactive material, we require a special arrangement licence from our regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

We have applied to our regulator for that licence which is currently under review by CNSC staff. The CNSC will only issue this licence if it is satisfied all regulatory safety requirements have been met and there is no risk to the health and safety of the public or the environment.