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Construction of the first SMR in the Western world to begin soon
TORONTO (May 8, 2025) - GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH), today announced that construction of the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor has been approved by the Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation (OPG). The approval clears the way for construction of the first of four planned BWRX-300s at OPG's Darlington site to begin soon with completion of the first unit scheduled by the end of the decade.
“In deploying the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor, Ontario is leading the way globally in the deployment of SMRs,” said Maví Zingoni, CEO, Power, GE Vernova. “Our work with OPG and project partners will serve as a benchmark for the global nuclear industry.”
“As the world looks to adopt SMR technology, we are proud to be embarking on construction of the first BWRX-300 with OPG, AtkinsRéalis and Aecon” said Lisa McBride, Canada Country Leader, GVH. “Ontario's supply chain is expected to contribute significantly to this project bringing substantial economic benefits to the province including the creation of thousands of jobs during manufacturing, construction and operation.
Early site preparation work at Darlington has been completed and in April the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted OPG a licence to construct the first unit.
The 300 MW BWRX-300, a 10th generation design, builds on decades of real-world boiling water reactor operating experience and innovation, using a standard design, a proven delivery model and GVH’s experience with cross-border regulatory collaboration.
GE Vernova has operated in Canada for more than 130 years and its support for the Canadian nuclear industry dates to the early 1950s when the company helped build the first Canadian nuclear power plant, the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) reactor that became the basis for the entire CANDU fleet.
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About GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy
GE Vernova’s Nuclear energy business, through its global alliance with Hitachi, is a world-leading provider of nuclear fuel bundles, services, and advanced nuclear reactor designs. Technologies include boiling water reactors and small modular reactors, such as the BWRX-300, which is one of the simplest, yet most innovative boiling water reactor designs. GE Vernova’s Nuclear fuel business, Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), is a world-leading supplier of boiling water reactor fuel and fuel-related engineering services. GNF is a GE Vernova-led joint venture with Hitachi, Ltd. and operates primarily through Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas, LLC in Wilmington, N.C., and Global Nuclear Fuel-Japan Co., Ltd. in Kurihama, Japan. HITACHI is a trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. used under trademark license. | GE is a trademark of General Electric Company used under trademark license.
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About GE Vernova
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with approximately 75,000 employees across approximately 100 countries around the world. Supported by the Company’s purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future.
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