GE Vernova to build $70 million nuclear engineering centre near Darlington SMR site

Ontario Construction News staff writer

GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) has announced plans to build a $70-million Canadian BWRX-300 Engineering and Service Centre in Durham Region, near Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) site.

The project is contingent on the development and construction of three additional small modular reactors (SMRs) at Darlington. The Ontario government recently approved construction of the first BWRX-300 unit, making it the first G7 jurisdiction to greenlight a grid-scale SMR project. Completion of the first unit is targeted for the end of this decade.

“Ontario is proud to lead the world in next-generation nuclear innovation,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines. “By locking in this investment from GE Vernova, we’re reinforcing our plan to make Ontario a clean energy superpower.”

The new centre will feature advanced technology, including a virtual reality simulator for training in SMR refueling and maintenance. It will serve as a hub for outage planning, development of inspection and maintenance tools, and support for future BWRX-300 deployments.

GVH expects the centre to be operational by the end of 2027. In addition to supporting nuclear operations, it will also assist other GE Vernova business units, generating further economic benefits for the Durham Region. The centre will complement GVH’s existing operations in Wilmington, N.C.

“The Canadian BWRX-300 Engineering and Service Centre will bolster Ontario’s position as a nuclear leader,” said Heather Chalmers, president and CEO of GE Vernova Canada. “This hub will ensure access to top talent and innovation while supporting global BWRX-300 deployment.”

The facility is part of Ontario’s broader support for OPG’s $20.9 billion investment in the Darlington SMR project, which includes site preparation, design, and the construction of four reactors.

“Locating this centre in Durham Region highlights how the Darlington project is driving investment and economic impact in Ontario,” said Nicolle Butcher, OPG president and CEO. “It will also attract international attention as other jurisdictions look to adopt SMR technology.”