Bruce Power and EMC Power Canada have entered into a $3 million agreement to manufacture and install removable insulation blankets as part of a new, Indigenous-led business line that was launched this year to support Bruce Power’s Life-Extension Program.

EMC Power Canada is manufacturing the insulation blankets, with residents of Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) completing a component of the effort. The blankets will be used on selected pieces of equipment and installed during planned maintenance programs, including the recently completed Unit 8 outage, and can be reused for many years.

While examining innovation opportunities to improve outage efficiencies, cost, and worker safety, possible improvements were identified to the way Bruce Power insulates selective pieces of plant equipment during outages.

“We have found great value in spending less time and dose insulating equipment by using the blankets versus using the traditional fibreglass ‘metal and band’ style insulation,” said Ian Rowley, Bruce Power’s Vice President of Outage and Maintenance Services.

Lou Camara, President, EMC Power Canada, said this initiative builds on similar successful insulation work that EMC completed for Bruce Power in 2016, and at Bruce A during the Restart Project.

“This work provides an opportunity for EMC to work with the Indigenous communities and to train SON members in manufacturing skills, leading to possible apprenticeships for SON members in the future,” Camara said.

As a Gold certified organization and Procurement Champion with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), Bruce Power continually seeks initiatives that support improvement and best practices in Indigenous relations, said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Operational Services.

“Bruce Power is thrilled to work with EMC Power Canada and its new Indigenous-led business line,” Scongack said. “By engaging the SON community, EMC Canada is supporting Bruce Power’s commitment to ensure that Indigenous communities have the opportunity to actively participate in our ongoing investment program.”

source: media release, Bruce Power