ONTARIO-GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) is investing $70 million 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.
“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.” said Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO, Ontario Power Generation.
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 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.
“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.” said Dennis Darby, President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.
