Following a hearing held on September 10, 2014 in Ottawa, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced September 17 its decision to approve the operation of the Bruce Power Nuclear Generating Stations Bruce B Units 5 and 6 beyond the 210,000 equivalent full power hours (EFPH) threshold.
The approval authorizes Bruce Power to operate the units, on a temporary basis, beyond 210,000 EFPH up to a maximum of 245,000 EFPH. The matter will be further considered as part of the relicensing hearings of the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station planned for February and April 2015.
The Commission is satisfied that the Bruce B Units 5 and 6 can be operated safely beyond 210,000 EFPH until that time.
The decision said Bruce Power has developed inspection and maintenance programs sufficient to keep a watch on the reactors during the extended period. Canadian reactors are designed to operate for 210,000 EFPHs. Normally, they then need a major refurbishment at that point. To go beyond the operating threshold, nuclear operators need to get permission from the CNSC.