Point Lepreau Generating Station Refurbishment Project Update

2010 July 21 — The Point Lepreau Generating Station Refurbishment Project is approximately 75% complete. The Station is the first of the world’s fleet of CANDU 6 reactors to undergo a refurbishment of this nature.

The first work sequence of the reactor reassembly activities is the installation of the new calandria tubes in the reactor vessel. This work sequence has encountered challenges with the seal tightness of some of the new tubes not meeting the acceptance criteria standards. AECL has been conducting assessments and tests on a number of potential technical solutions in order to create tight seal joints that will meet these standards in all cases.

Two videos have been created to provide detailed information on the status of the project. The first video highlights the execution of tight seals on calandria tubes. The second video examines the extensive seal testing program that is currently underway. In each video, members of the Point Lepreau Generating Station Refurbishment Project team explain the challenges with creating tight seal joints and the solutions that are being demonstrated in the laboratory. NB Power has assigned a number of staff members to work as part of an integrated team led by AECL. The talent, experience and dedication of all workers at the Station are second to none, and it is through combined efforts and abilities that we will overcome these challenges.

Work to prepare for the fuel channel installation sequence is ongoing, parallel to the calandria tube installation. A detailed readiness review of the fuel channel installation phase was undertaken with an independent industry expert and a training session with a full rehearsal has been conducted.

Both NB Power and AECL continue to work diligently to complete the project activities in as short a time as possible while remaining fully committed to the values of operating a safe work site and delivering a quality end result - a reactor that will deliver safe and reliable power to New Brunswick for the next 25 to 30 years.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Refurbishment Project Schedule – AECL - Dale Coffin, Director, Corporate Communications,
1-866-886-2325, email: coffind@aecl.ca

Refurbishment Project General - NB Power - Kathleen Duguay, Public Affairs Manager,
(506) 647-8057, email: kduguay@nbpower.com