On June 23, the Ontario government announced it has secured an investment of $70 million from GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) to build the world's first BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) engineering and service centre in Durham Region near the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) site. This investment supports Ontario's first-ever comprehensive energy plan, Energy for Generations, which is an important part of the government's plan to protect Ontario by ensuring the province has the energy it needs to support new housing and power the most competitive economy in the G7 for generations to come.
"Ontario is proud to lead the world in next-generation nuclear innovation, creating good-paying local jobs, training thousands of skilled workers and delivering clean, reliable power for decades to come," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. "By locking in this investment from GE Vernova we are reinforcing our plan to make Ontario a clean energy superpower where our workers build with Canadian materials, operate with Canadian expertise and export the clean technology the world needs."
Once complete, the new engineering and service centre will create new opportunities for workers in engineering, science, construction and other skilled trades to find good-paying jobs in the face of economic uncertainty. It will bring over 300 good-paying jobs to Durham Region, while its training facilities will help more than 2,000 people per year acquire the skills they need for successful careers as experts on nuclear innovation and operations, further expanding Canada's homegrown nuclear energy workforce.
"The Canadian BWRX-300 Engineering and Service Centre will bolster Ontario's position as a nuclear leader and further cultivate Canada's nuclear energy workforce with an industry-leading training ecosystem," said Heather Chalmers, President & CEO, GE Vernova Canada. "This Ontario-based hub will provide the province with continued access to the best and brightest talent and innovation in the nuclear energy industry while complementing global efforts for deploying the BWRX-300."
With Ontario's electricity demand set to increase by 75 per cent by 2050, the government launched its first-ever integrated energy plan, Energy for Generations, which brings together nuclear, electricity, hydrogen and other energy sources under one comprehensive plan to ensure the province has the affordable, secure, reliable and clean energy needed to build a more competitive, resilient, and self-reliant province. With Ontario's record investments in energy infrastructure, including world-leading investments in SMR technology, the province is strengthening access to reliable and affordable fuels that are critical to Ontario's industries, farmers and rural communities.
In addition to the new engineering & service centre, the Darlington New Nuclear Project will create and sustain 3,700 good-paying jobs during the construction and long-term operation of its four SMRs. The project will contribute $38.5 billion to Ontario's GDP over 65 years, with 80 per cent of project spending going to Ontario companies. Once complete, the four SMRs will produce 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power 1.2 million homes.
Energy for Generations provides a coordinated, long-term approach to make sure Ontario has the reliable, affordable energy it needs to be energy secure and power economic growth. The government's integrated approach and record investments in energy infrastructure are also providing the certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario's future. With a clear path forward, the plan not only helps meet the demands of today but will help protect workers and the economy by keeping workers on the job and powering growth and opportunities for generations to come.
Quick Facts
- The government is supporting OPG's $20.9 billion budget for the Darlington New Nuclear Project, which includes site preparation, engineering and design work to date, as well as the construction of all four SMRs.
- Nuclear power will play an important role in meeting Ontario's energy needs and already provides almost half of the province's electricity while emitting no greenhouse gasses.
- The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has concluded that the SMRs at Darlington are the best option to meet growing energy demand in terms of cost and risks, when compared against non-emitting generation alternatives.
- According to the IESO, the province would need to build up to 8,900 MW of wind and solar paired with battery storage to replace the output of four SMRs. The IESO also concluded this alternative approach would carry significant risks including significant land requirements and the need for large scale transmission build out.
- Ontario's nuclear industry supports around 80,000 good-paying jobs in communities across the province.
- A Conference Board of Canada study estimates the construction of four SMRs will create 18,000 Canadian jobs and inject $500 million on average annually into Ontario's economy.
- The new BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Engineering & Service Centre will support the global development and delivery of the BWRX-300 SMR technology here in Ontario and around the world.
Quotes
"GE Vernova Hitachi's investment in a new Small Modular Reactor Engineering and Service Centre marks a major milestone for Whitby and the broader Durham Region. This $70 million commitment will generate high-quality, skilled jobs, support our local economy, and is a direct result of our government's forward-looking energy policies and our strong support for nuclear innovation to solidify our role as a leader in clean energy innovation. As Ontario positions itself as a clean energy superpower, Whitby is proud to be at the heart of that transformation - supporting global progress while delivering direct benefits to our community."
- Lorne Coe, MPP Whitby
"This historic investment of $70 million by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy will advance our government's plan to protect Ontario workers and our economy by creating over 300 local jobs right here in Durham Region. As electricity demand continues to grow, this centre will ensure Ontario remains a global leader in nuclear innovation while protecting our economy, our energy security, and many jobs across the province."
- Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP Pickering-Uxbridge
"Locating this engineering and service centre in Durham Region is a clear example of how the DNNP is driving investment and economic impact in Ontario and provides an opportunity to showcase OPG's leadership in nuclear power generation. This centre will attract people from jurisdictions around the world as others adopt SMR technology."
- Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO, Ontario Power Generation
"As Canada takes historic steps to become an energy superpower, we must fully utilize ALL our energy strengths. Having a Made in Canada approach, leveraging our intellectual property and a strong local supply network will be critical as we strengthen our competitive position as a country. We congratulate the Government of Ontario and GE Vernova Hitachi on their major investment to develop a strong engineering centre of excellence for SMRs, right here in Durham region."
- Dennis Darby, President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
"This landmark investment by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy underscores Ontario's global leadership in nuclear innovation and the unmatched capabilities of Canada's nuclear supply chain. Establishing the world's first SMR Engineering and Service Centre in Ontario will not only secure long-term, high-quality jobs but will also reaffirm our province's position as a clean energy superpower. With capacity to train thousands annually and consolidate SMR expertise here at home, this facility will be instrumental in meeting Ontario's rising energy demands, and in generating lasting economic benefits across the province. As the voice of the Canadian nuclear supply chain, OCNI and our 250+ member companies stand ready to support this next chapter in nuclear development - powered by Canadian technology, talent, and tenacity."
- Ivette Vera-Perez, President and CEO, Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries
"This is another sign of the tremendous progress OPG and GE Vernova Hitachi are making on this historic Canadian nuclear project. Our team in Cambridge is proud to be manufacturing the reactor pressure vessel for Unit 1 and supporting OPG's efforts to secure additional reliable and clean electricity to power Ontario's economic prosperity."
- John MacQuarrie, President for Commerical Operations, BWXT
"This significant investment by GE Vernova Hitachi will not only support the construction and operation of its BWRX-300 SMRs at Darlington, but it will continue to position Canada as a leader in SMR deployment. Serving as the world's first SMR engineering and service centre, it will also cultivate homegrown expertise and drive innovation, supporting Ontario's plan to establish itself as a global nuclear leader and exporter of clean technology."
- George Christidis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Association
"We're excited to welcome GE Vernova Hitachi's new engineering and service centre to Durham Region. It will support long-term operation of Small Modular Reactors, train a highly skilled energy workforce and create local jobs. Durham Region has a vibrant energy cluster and is central to how clean energy will be delivered to the world in the future."
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham
"We're excited at E.S. Fox to hear of GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy's $70 million investment to establish the world's first Small Modular Reactor Engineering & Service Centre in the Durham Region, this is a transformative milestone for our community and the nuclear industry at large. This announcement underscores Durham's leadership in clean energy and highlights the region's capacity to support advanced, future-ready infrastructure. The new centre will bring highly skilled jobs, attract innovation, and further solidify Canada's reputation as a centre of excellence for nuclear expertise and initiatives."
- Terry Warren, Director, E.S. Fox Limited
"The investment and commitment to build the world's first SMR engineering and service centre in the Region of Durham is a clear demonstration of Ontario's leadership in clean energy. This centre highlights the strong collaboration between government, industry, and academia that is the backbone of Ontario's reputation as an energy superpower. With Canada's only accredited undergraduate nuclear engineering program, Ontario Tech University is training the next generation of nuclear industry talent, from entry to expert, helping to futureproof the nuclear workforce across the province. Durham Region is a hub for clean energy investment, training, and skills development, and we are proud of our contributions to the future of nuclear innovation."
- Dr. Steven Murphy, President & Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University
"Ontario needs more baseload power to support electric vehicles that charge overnight, data centres that operate on a 24/7 basis, and heat pumps that are increasingly keeping our homes warm through the winter. Today's investment will help ensure we have the highly skilled workforce needed to build new nuclear generation, expanding the size of our electricity system and powering economic growth in our province."
- Lesley Gallinger, President and CEO, Independent Electricity System Operator
"Canada's nuclear industry supports 90,000 high-skilled, well-paying jobs in Ontario. It's an industry that is flourishing because of the urgent need for low-carbon energy from both large and small reactors. Candu Energy is proud to have a presence in the Durham Region to support the extensive work we do for OPG's CANDU reactors and for the development of their SMR. Congratulations to our SMR alliance partner, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, on making a lasting commitment to the region and we look forward to continuing to work together on securing Ontario's energy independence."
- Sandy Taylor, CEO, Candu Energy Inc.
"Aecon has been a proud partner on Ontario Power Generation's Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) since 2021, working alongside GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy as part of the integrated project delivery team. As we advance the first grid-scale SMR in the G7 nations - with three additional units planned at the Darlington site - we are bringing the full strength of our nuclear, civil, industrial, and utilities expertise and resources to this transformative project supporting the energy transition as demand for clean, reliable, baseload generation increases. This project not only supports Ontario's future energy needs but also plays a vital role in developing the next generation of skilled trades and nuclear professionals."
- Jean-Louis Servranckx, President and CEO, Aecon
"Made-in-Ontario nuclear innovation is fuelling economic development and new nuclear opportunities across the province. In order to meet future electricity demand, we know our province will need significant amounts of new generation from a wide range of technology options. With investments like this, we're encouraged by new opportunities in workforce development and sector transformation - NII will continue working with industry partners to support Canada's clean energy goals and strengthen our economy."
- Jessica Linthorne, President & CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute
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