Point Lepreau:
OVERVIEW:

NB Power Nuclear is responsible for operating the Point Lepreau Generating Station, to safely and reliably generate electricity for the wholesale market and provide a return to the owner. The 635 MW unit, commissioned in 1983, was the first CANDU-6 to begin commercial operation.

Nuclear safety is the primary focus of station activities. CANDU is an established Canadian technology with an excellent nuclear safety record, and Point Lepreau is a safe working environment. The station has exceeded one million person-hours without a lost-time accident on three occasions.

Point Lepreau has been a reliable generator during its 23 years of operation – its in-service capacity factor is approximately 83 percent, slightly above design performance expectations. The facility accounts for up to 30 percent of in-province generation.

HOW THE REACTOR WORKS:

The uranium atoms undergo a fission process that releases thermal energy, creating a controlled chain reaction. The heat energy is picked up by a flow of heavy water and transported to steam generators. The flow of heavy water gives up its heat and turns light water into steam. The steam is sent to turbines via four main steam lines. The steam energy is converted to electricity via a generator.

Point Lepreau Fact Sheet >>

POINT LEPREAU - REFURBISHMENT PROJECT:

Project Status >>