Ontario Invests $19.5 Million to Launch New Centre for Fusion Energy in Pickering

Ontario’s Centre for Fusion Energy to Drive Clean-Power Innovation

PICKERING — Ontario is deepening its role as a global nuclear leader with a $19.5 million investment to establish the new Centre for Fusion Energy, a major research initiative designed to accelerate fusion energy development, strengthen Ontario’s energy workforce, and attract long-term private and public investment.

The announcement was made Friday by Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, who emphasized that the centre will help protect Ontario’s competitive edge as global demand for clean, reliable baseload power continues to rise.

“Ontario’s world-class researchers are driving the energy sector into a new era of clean energy,” said Minister Quinn. “Through this investment, our government is leveraging our position as a nuclear powerhouse to fuel fusion energy discoveries that will advance industries, build Ontario’s energy workforce, and protect the province.”

A Major Step Toward Fusion Power

The Centre for Fusion Energy will be developed through a partnership between the provincial government, the federal government (through Atomic Energy of Canada Limited), the Stellarex Group Limited, and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), which will lead project delivery under a provincial memorandum of understanding.

Big news today for Ontario’s clean energy future! ⚡️🔬

We are investing $19.5 million to establish the new Centre for Fusion Energy – an epicentre for research that will protect Ontario’s energy future and cement our province as a global energy superpower.

Learn more:… pic.twitter.com/5gD7Uq13Bu

— Nolan Quinn (@nolanmquinn) November 28, 2025

The financial structure reflects a multi-sector commitment:

• Ontario government: $19.5 million

• AECL (Federal): $33 million

• Stellarex: Up to $39 million

Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce said the investment leverages Ontario’s long-standing nuclear expertise, from CANDU reactors to Canada’s first grid-connected small modular reactor. “Fusion energy is the next frontier in clean 24/7 power,” Lecce said. “Ontario is doubling down on our nuclear advantage to support an almost inexhaustible source of emission-free energy for future generations.”

Building a Fusion Workforce and Research Ecosystem

Fusion energy — long viewed as a transformative solution for global decarbonization — remains in the advanced research stage. Establishing the Centre for Fusion Energy is expected to strengthen Ontario’s academic-industry collaborations, expand hands-on learning opportunities, and attract global fusion companies to the province.

Key advantages position Ontario to lead the sector:

• The province is home to over 75,000 nuclear supply chain workers

• Ontario holds most of the world’s commercial tritium, a critical fusion fuel

• A future fusion plant could generate up to 63,000 jobs by 2050

• Canada could see up to $523 billion in economic benefits by 2100 if fusion power becomes commercialized

Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering–Uxbridge, called the investment transformational. “This investment will pave the way for more jobs, investments, and education opportunities in our community for decades to come.”

A National Collaborative Effort

The Centre builds on an earlier MOU among OPG, Stellarex, AECL and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to explore establishing a domestic fusion ecosystem. Officials from each partner reaffirmed that Canada must play a central role in global fusion innovation.

“Ontario’s nuclear expertise and competitive advantages make Canada an ideal place for fusion energy development,” said Spencer Pitcher, CEO-designate of Stellarex Group. “We’re building the fusion-ready workforce needed to deliver fusion power to the grid.”

AECL President Fred Dermarkar added that cross-sector collaboration is essential: “Fusion is a critical, long-term global scientific challenge, and Canada has developed unique capabilities to support its future.”

Advancing Ontario’s Energy for Generations Plan

The Centre for Fusion Energy is a core part of Ontario’s Energy for Generations plan — the province’s long-term strategy to secure clean, reliable, affordable power for growing communities, new housing, and industrial expansion.

With energy demand projected to rise significantly by 2050, the government says investments in fusion research complement ongoing nuclear refurbishments, SMR deployment, and expanded isotope production.

As the global clean energy race accelerates, Ontario’s government says it intends to be at the forefront.

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