TORONTO—GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) has been selected by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as the technology partner for the Darlington New Nuclear Project to be undertaken east of Toronto.
GE Hitachi will work with OPG to develop a BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington site that could be complete as early as 2028, stated a recent release.
“We are thrilled to be selected by OPG as a technology partner,” said Jay Wileman, president and CEO of GE Hitachi, in the statement. “OPG is Ontario’s climate change leader and is positioned to become a world leader in SMRs. Together, this partnership will bring jobs and economic benefits to Durham Region, Ontario and Canada, and potential global export of this technology.”
Headquartered in Ontario, GEH SMR Technologies Canada has assigned 80 jobs to support the deployment of the BWRX-300 in Canada and around the world.
“We plan to continue to create many skilled, high-paying jobs in Ontario as we build our BWRX-300 team,” said Lisa McBride, country leader, GEH SMR Canada.
An independent report by PwC Canada, commissioned by GEH, estimates the construction and operation of the first BWRX-300 in Ontario is expected to generate approximately $2.3 billion in GDP, $1.9 billion in labour income and more than $750 million in federal, provincial and municipal tax revenue over its lifespan.
“We know nuclear is a key proven zero-emissions baseload energy source that will help us achieve net-zero as a company by 2040, and act as a catalyst for efficient economy-wide decarbonization by 2050,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG’s president and CEO.
The Millwright Regional Council of Ontario also issued a statement supporting the initiative.
“UBC Millwrights is leading the way in developing virtual safety, installation and maintenance training programs that directly support OPG and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy success with this clean energy generation project,” said Mark Beardsworth, director of operations with the Millwright Regional Council of Ontario.
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