Insights Darlington nuclear generating station | maintaining our nuclear energy
AtkinsRéalis is proud to be part of the joint venture working on Darlington – Canada’s largest clean energy project. It’s also the country’s second largest nuclear facility by total energy output. Four CANDU pressurized heavy water (PHWR) reactors produce up to 31 million MWh annually.
Refurbishing a vital resource
Nuclear is a reliable, low carbon energy source that accounts for 60% of Ontario’s energy. Darling produces 20% of the province’s power supply or enough to power 2.5 million households! To ensure CANDU reactors remain in good working condition throughout their expected life, they need a mid-life refurbishment or life extension.
Careful project planning
Planning for this Retube and Feeder Replacement (RFR) project has taken our teams several years. We started back in February 2010 when OPG announced plans to proceed. The sheer size of the project makes it complex and consisted of two phases: the Definition and Execution phases.
Definition
AtkinsRéalis ’s engineers created a full-scale reactor mock-up which provides:
• Simulations of the refurbishment’s key elements
• An employee training program
• A space to develop, source and test specialized tooling solutions
• A comprehensive estimate and full schedule for the project
Execution
Our teams began execution in YEAR with Darlington Unit 2. The remaining three units will see their reactor cores retubed in a sequential basis using the tools and methods developed and tested during the Definition phase. Each of Darlington CANDU reactors will be taken out of service for approximately three years to allow for the replacement of fuel channels, feeder pipes, calandria tubes and end fittings.
Proud of our CANDU teamwork
As stewards of CANDU technology our people bring specialized knowledge of this Canadian-developed nuclear technology. We are also responsible for a range of services and tooling, as well as training and procurement of critical resources. We’re extremely pleased by our people’s excellent planning and innovative thinking. Two years into the first reactor refurbishment (Unit 2), the project remains on time and on budget. The old reactor components have been removed, the calandria has been inspected and the fuel channels have all been replaced.
Transforming local economy
We exist to transform the world through sustainable technology but also by uplifting communities wherever we go. This project will create up to 11,800 jobs for more than 180 companies across Ontario. Once fully refurbished, the reactors will continue to produce approximately 20% of the province’s energy for at least another 30 years. It will also fully comply with current nuclear safety regulations and policies that have come into place since Fukushima.
Excited about uplifting Canada’s future through nuclear? Join us here.
Project statistics:
$12.8 billion
refurbishment of four CANDU reactors
2.5 million
households powered a year
11,800
jobs created by the Darling project
180
local companies will benefit from the project
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/24/2024
Summary
In a momentous shift, SNC-Lavalin has transitioned to AtkinsRéalis, marking a new era of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in engineering consultancy. With this rebrand comes a fresh persp
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/23/2024
Summary
As Mumbai continues to evolve and expand, the demand for sustainable infrastructure and cutting-edge technology has never been more pressing. At the forefront of this transformative journey is Atk
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/22/2024
Summary
Hi there! I'm Paul, a civil engineer with over 25 years of experience specializing in networks and drainage engineering. My role at AtkinsRéalis spans managing projects, directing major initia
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/22/2024
Summary
Meet Paul, a talented civil engineer in water management whose career journey is as inspiring as impressive. Starting at AtkinsRéalis, fresh out of university in 1997, Paul quickly distinguish
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
In the vast expanse of the Saudi Arabian landscape, you’ll find a beacon of innovation, a vision for a better, greener tomorrow. NEOM sits in the heart of the Tabuk province and isn’t just anothe
Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
As a global metropolis, Hong Kong has long been a fantastic place to be a civil engineer. With world-class infrastructure all around, effective civil engineers have many opportunities to be a
Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
In January 2024, Srijana embarked on a new chapter in her engineering career, joining AtkinsRealis as a Chartered Structural Engineer. With six years of experience on a wide variety of projects, Sr
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/16/2024
Summary
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), you’ll find an awe-inspiring and profoundly transformative endeavor that encapsulates innovation, sustainability, and the unparalleled proficiency of AtkinsRéa
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/11/2024
Summary
Hello, I'm Ben, Mechanical Team Lead in the Decommissioning & Waste Services team. My journey at AtkinsRéalis, from a graduate to a team lead, has been inspired by my belief that we can "engin
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/04/2024
Summary
Welcome to the dynamic world of nuclear engineering – where innovation meets sustainability. We unveil the pathway to landing a nuclear engineering job, even without prior experience in the nuclea
Preview
Middle EastContent type
ProjectsPublish date
04/04/2024
Summary
The AtkinsRéalis team, in a commendable collaboration with the site team, United Engineering Construction (UNEC), and its subcontractors, has exhibited exceptional dedication and expertise, making
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/04/2024
Summary
In the world of construction and development, where innovation meets hard work under the towering silhouettes of our projects, the role of women has been historically underrepresented. However, the
AtkinsRéalis
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more