Ontario Secures $70M Investment to Build World’s First SMR Engineering and Service Centre in Durham Region

The Ontario government has announced a landmark $70 million investment 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. The announcement, made Monday, reinforces the province’s growing global leadership in nuclear innovation and clean energy.

The new facility, to be built near Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP), is expected to bring more than 300 high-skilled jobs to the region and train more than 2,000 workers annually in nuclear operations and SMR technology. It is a cornerstone of Ontario’s “Energy for Generations” plan, which lays out a comprehensive vision for secure, affordable, and clean energy to support the province’s economic and housing growth.

“Ontario is proud to lead the world in next-generation nuclear innovation,” 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.”

GE Vernova Hitachi Canada CEO Heather Chalmers called the centre “an industry-leading training ecosystem” that will reinforce Ontario’s status as a hub for nuclear excellence while supporting the global deployment of the BWRX-300 SMR.

Leading the world.

After we approved construction on the G7’s first Small Modular Reactor, we successfully secured a $70M investment to build the first SMR training & service hub — right here in Ontario.

Ontario is at the centre of the action — creating 300 🇨🇦 jobs & training… pic.twitter.com/hOdFEb4YOo

— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) June 23, 2025

With electricity demand in Ontario expected to rise 75% by 2050, SMRs are seen as a key part of the province’s strategy to ensure reliable, low-emission baseload power. The DNNP’s four planned SMRs will generate 1,200 megawatts—enough to power 1.2 million homes—and contribute an estimated $38.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP over the next 65 years. Roughly 80% of that spending will go to Ontario-based firms.

Durham’s status as a growing clean energy hub was echoed by local officials. “This $70 million commitment will generate high-quality, skilled jobs and support our local economy,” said MPP Lorne Coe (Whitby), highlighting the broader regional impact.

The SMR engineering and service centre is also expected to draw international talent, furthering Ontario’s goal of becoming a global leader in clean energy exports.

Widespread Industry Support

The announcement received praise from industry leaders, including Ontario Power Generation, the Canadian Nuclear Association, the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, and local manufacturers such as E.S. Fox and Aecon.

Dr. Steven Murphy, President of Ontario Tech University, said the project “highlights the strong collaboration between government, industry, and academia” and underscores Durham Region’s central role in training the next generation of nuclear professionals.

Other supporters pointed to the broader implications for Ontario’s clean energy future. “Ontario needs more baseload power to support EVs, data centres, and heat pumps,” said Lesley Gallinger, CEO of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), adding that the SMR project “helps ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to build new nuclear generation.”

SMRs Key to Energy Future

The IESO has concluded that building four SMRs at Darlington is the most cost-effective and reliable option compared to other non-emitting generation sources. Replacing their output with wind, solar, and batteries would require as much as 8,900 MW in additional generation capacity, along with massive land use and transmission infrastructure.

Currently, nuclear power already provides nearly half of Ontario’s electricity and supports approximately 80,000 jobs across the province. The Conference Board of Canada estimates that construction of the four SMRs will create 18,000 Canadian jobs and inject $500 million per year into Ontario’s economy.

With this latest investment, Ontario is advancing its plan to secure long-term energy supply, position itself as a clean energy superpower, and protect high-paying jobs in the province’s growing energy sector.

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