Power

GE Hitachi and OPG to develop nuclear SMR in Ontario

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy and the Canadian utility Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will develop a small modular reactor at the Darlington new nuclear site, the only site in Canada currently licensed for a new nuclear build.

Firstly, the project intends to build up a solid Ontario-based supply chain. The clean energy project intends to create a good number of jobs across the province; strengthen the region’s position as the clean energy capital of Ontario.

Moreover, GE Hitachi and OPG will collaborate on the reactor’s engineering, design, planning, preparing the licensing and permitting materials. They will also undertake the site’s preparation activities jointly, with the mutual goal of constructing Canada’s first commercial, grid-scale SMR. They expect to have it completed by 2028.

In addition, the location of the project in the Darlington site will provide a critical new source of clean nuclear energy for Ontario’s future projected energy capacity needs. However, it will also play a vital role in advancing Canada into its net-zero commitments.

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GE Hitachi and OPG to push Canada further into energy transition

In fact, international bodies, such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), have been clear: climate change initiatives will fall short without nuclear power as part of the electricity supply mix.

On the other hand, according to the statement, site preparation for the SMR will begin in the spring of 2022. The works will include the installation of the necessary construction services. OPG will submit to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission the permit to build by the end of 2022.

Todd Smith, Minister of Energy in Canada, said about the matter. “SMRs can provide reliable and emission-free energy while creating jobs, economic growth and export opportunities.” He also remarked. “With today’s announcement, Ontario is leading the way in new nuclear technologies – like SMRs – that represent tremendous economic and environmental opportunities for our province and all of Canada.”

Finally, Jay Wileman, President, and CEO, GE Hitachi, commented. “This is a significant and concrete action in the fight against climate change that will also create jobs across Ontario and Canada as we leverage the robust and growing nuclear supply chain.”

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