By Lisa McBride, Canada Country Lead, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
At GE Hitachi, we know the future is powered by a robust mix of carbon-free energy, and crucially, the path to net zero must include nuclear. New nuclear technology in the form of small modular reactors (SMRs) is one of the most advanced ways to power Ontario while lowering our carbon impact. Ontario Power Generation has already made an important decision to implement SMR technology at Darlington. We believe our technology and experience ideally position GE Hitachi to bring this project to life in Ontario.
Our SMR, the BWRX-300, is the tenth evolution of nuclear technology that has been proven over decades of real-world operating experience. As we evolve our technology, we’ve leveraged designs, materials, components and fuel that are already tested and licensed. We’re confident that we offer the best option because of our proven technology, industry experience and supply chain capabilities.
A rendering of the GE Hitachi BWRX-300, a grid-scale SMR facility. Credit: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
The opportunities for Ontario’s economy are significant: An independent study conducted by PwC determined the first BWRX-300 constructed and deployed in Ontario is projected to create $2.3 billion in GDP, with each subsequent reactor generating approximately $1.1 billion. Plus, the construction of the first SMR will support over 1,700 highly skilled jobs, with yearly operation supporting nearly 200 jobs annually. This is a significant near-term investment in the Canadian engineering workforce, keeping our talented engineers here, in Ontario.
Another key benefit of SMRs is the export opportunity they create, and GE Hitachi has demonstrated interest from at least three international partners already. Exporting SMR technologies, products and fuel will help put Canada on the global stage as a leader in new nuclear technology. Each reactor deployed internationally will grow Canadian GDP by $98 million with an additional $110 million in labour income and $46 million in tax revenue.
GE has been a committed local partner—operating in Canada since 1892—and has been a pioneer in Canada’s commercial nuclear energy industry since the 1950s. We look forward to building on this legacy by boldly innovating to bring the world’s first grid-scale SMR to Canada. We want to create jobs and drive economic development while positioning Ontario as an SMR hub and Canada as a leader in the deployment of this carbon-free generation technology.
Experience and our technology pedigree make GE Hitachi the lowest risk and highest reward choice among SMR technology providers. Our proven performance and demonstrated success position us to turn this vision into commercial-scale reality in Ontario. And Canada’s nuclear leadership combined with a long-standing relationship with GE make this partnership—and the BWRX-300—the ideal solution to propel the global industry and SMR technology forward.
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