GE Vernova Hitachi to Build $70 Million Nuclear Engineering Centre Near Darlington
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy plans to invest $70 million to build an engineering and service centre for BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) near the Darlington New Nuclear Project site in Durham Region, according to a June 23 announcement from the Ontario government. The government says the facility is expected to create more than 300 jobs in the area and provide training for about 2,000 people each year in nuclear sector operations and innovation.
According to the Ontario government, this investment is part of its Energy for Generations plan, introduced to address a projected 75 percent increase in electricity demand in Ontario by 2050. This centre is among several infrastructure projects intended to support anticipated growth in energy needs across the province.
The centre will be located near the Darlington New Nuclear Project and, according to the government, will support roles in engineering, science, construction, and skilled trades. Spokespersons from both the government and GE Vernova Hitachi have indicated the facility is designed to train new workers for Ontario's nuclear industry.
According to figures released by the government, the Darlington New Nuclear Project has a budget of $20.9 billion, with 80 percent of the project spending projected to go to Ontario companies. The project is also expected to create or sustain 3,700 jobs during construction and through its operational phase. Once operational, the four SMRs at Darlington are expected to provide a combined capacity of 1,200 megawatts, which the government says would be enough to supply electricity to approximately 1.2 million homes.
A Conference Board of Canada study, cited by the government, estimates that construction of four SMRs will create 18,000 jobs across Canada and contribute an average of $500 million per year to Ontario’s economy.
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has concluded that SMRs at Darlington are the preferred option for meeting future electricity demand, in terms of cost and risk, compared to other non-emitting generation methods. IESO states that replacing the expected SMR output would require up to 8,900 megawatts of wind and solar power with battery storage, resulting in additional land use and new transmission infrastructure.
The government also reports the new centre will support development and delivery of BWRX-300 technology both domestically and internationally. According to the government, nuclear power currently produces nearly half of Ontario's electricity, and the province’s nuclear industry supports about 80,000 jobs. As of the announcement, no details have been released about when the new centre will open or when hiring will begin.