Latest news with #GEVernovaHitachi
Hamilton Spectator
5 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Ontario to build world's first SMR service centre as Ford government pushes massive nuclear expansion
Ontario is building the world's first small modular reactor (SMR) engineering and service centre as the Ford government pushes a massive nuclear power expansion. Backed by a $70-million investment from GE Vernova Hitachi, the centre will support Ontario's $20-billion SMR megaproject at the Darlington nuclear site. Provincial Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said the new centre proves that Ontario is 'leading the world' in nuclear innovation. 'Nuclear attracts investment, it creates jobs, and it is the constant energy source we need,' Lecce said at the press conference in Toronto. 'By locking in this investment from GE Vernova, we are reinforcing our plan to make Ontario a clean energy superpower where our workers build with Canadian materials, operate with Canadian expertise and export the clean technology the world needs.' Lecce said the new 50,000-square-foot facility, located near the new Darlington SMR project , will serve as a global hub for maintaining and supporting BWRX-300 SMRs . It will train up to 2,000 nuclear professionals each year and create 300 jobs. Currently, around 80,000 people work in Ontario's nuclear industry. The project is the first major private investment in Ontario's nuclear expansion since the Ford government released its long-term 'Energy for Generations' plan, which emphasizes attracting private capital to help fund its costly new nuclear projects. Released last week, the plan projects a major shift toward nuclear power to meet rising electricity demand — while also showing increased reliance on fossil fuels over the next decade, with emissions expected to rise before declining after 2030. More than 50 per cent of Ontario's electricity comes from nuclear power. Under the new plan, that share is projected to exceed 70 per cent by 2050, as electricity demand is expected to rise by 75 per cent. The government says nuclear expansion is key to meeting that demand and estimates it will need up to 17,800 MW of new nuclear capacity, equivalent to building five new Darlington stations. Nuclear projects are complex and costly, and the province says it plans to explore new ownership models and equity partnerships to attract private capital and help finance the expansion. At the press conference, GE Vernova Canada President Heather Chalmers said the new SMR centre is an important step for Ontario's nuclear sector and the future of small modular reactors in Canada. 'This Ontario-based hub will provide the province with continued access to the best and brightest talent and innovation in the nuclear energy industry while complementing global efforts for deploying the BWRX-300.' Chalmers said the centre will also include advanced tools, such as a virtual reality simulator for refueling and maintenance training, along with inspection technology and support systems specifically designed for BWRX-300 reactors. She said the centre will support Ontario's SMR project at Darlington and help connect the province's expertise to international markets, and it's expected to add around $128 million to the province's economy each year. 'Today's announcement is not just about a new facility — it's about building the infrastructure, capabilities, and workforce needed to support the future of SMRs in Canada and around the world.' Energy experts and environmental advocates have long criticized the Ford government's heavy investment in nuclear power, saying it ignores Ontario's strong potential for cheaper, faster renewable options like wind and solar. They warn the nuclear-heavy approach could raise costs, hurt affordability, and increase Ontario's dependence on foreign energy supplies. The government, however, argues that nuclear power is more cost-effective and land-efficient than renewables. In today's statement , the government says Ontario would need to build up to 8,900 megawatts of wind and solar, paired with battery storage, to replace the output of four SMRs — an alternative it claims would carry major risks, including large land requirements and the need for significant transmission infrastructure. But recent studies challenge nuclear's economic case. The Ontario Clean Air Alliance estimates electricity from new nuclear facilities could cost up to 3.6 times more than onshore wind and three times more than solar. Another report suggests Ontario could save up to $19 billion annually by switching to wind, solar and storage, instead of pursuing the proposed Wesleyville mega-nuclear project near Port Hope. Growing skepticism over the cost of small modular reactors echoes global concerns. In the US, two reactors in South Carolina were scrapped after $12.5 billion (CAD) was spent, leading to Westinghouse Nuclear's bankruptcy . Georgia's Vogtle plant was completed at $48 billion , more than twice its original estimate, making it one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in US history. In the UK and Europe, new nuclear projects are also facing delays, cost overruns and cancellations. The government has not provided a timeline for the construction of the new SMR service facility. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
National Observer
12 hours ago
- Business
- National Observer
Ontario to build world's first SMR server centre as Ford government pushes massive nuclear expansion
Ontario is building the world's first small modular reactor (SMR) engineering and service centre as the Ford government pushes a massive nuclear power expansion. Backed by a $70-million investment from GE Vernova Hitachi, the centre will support Ontario's $20-billion SMR megaproject at the Darlington nuclear site. Provincial Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said the new centre proves that Ontario is 'leading the world' in nuclear innovation. 'Nuclear attracts investment, it creates jobs, and it is the constant energy source we need,' Lecce said at the press conference in Toronto. 'By locking in this investment from GE Vernova, we are reinforcing our plan to make Ontario a clean energy superpower where our workers build with Canadian materials, operate with Canadian expertise and export the clean technology the world needs.' Lecce said the new 50,000-square-foot facility, located near the new Darlington SMR project, will serve as a global hub for maintaining and supporting BWRX-300 SMRs. It will train up to 2,000 nuclear professionals each year and create 300 jobs. Currently, around 80,000 people work in Ontario's nuclear industry. The project is the first major private investment in Ontario's nuclear expansion since the Ford government released its long-term 'Energy for Generations' plan, which emphasizes attracting private capital to help fund its costly new nuclear projects. Released last week, the plan projects a major shift toward nuclear power to meet rising electricity demand — while also showing increased reliance on fossil fuels over the next decade, with emissions expected to rise before declining after 2030. Backed by a $70-million investment from GE Vernova Hitachi, Ontario is planning to build the world's first SMR server centre to support its $20-billion SMR megaproject at the Darlington nuclear site. More than 50 per cent of Ontario's electricity comes from nuclear power. Under the new plan, that share is projected to exceed 70 per cent by 2050, as electricity demand is expected to rise by 75 per cent. The government says nuclear expansion is key to meeting that demand and estimates it will need up to 17,800 MW of new nuclear capacity, equivalent to building five new Darlington stations. Nuclear projects are complex and costly, and the province says it plans to explore new ownership models and equity partnerships to attract private capital and help finance the expansion. At the press conference, GE Vernova Canada President Heather Chalmers said the new SMR centre is an important step for Ontario's nuclear sector and the future of small modular reactors in Canada. 'This Ontario-based hub will provide the province with continued access to the best and brightest talent and innovation in the nuclear energy industry while complementing global efforts for deploying the BWRX-300.' Chalmers said the centre will also include advanced tools, such as a virtual reality simulator for refueling and maintenance training, along with inspection technology and support systems specifically designed for BWRX-300 reactors. She said the centre will support Ontario's SMR project at Darlington and help connect the province's expertise to international markets, and it's expected to add around $128 million to the province's economy each year. 'Today's announcement is not just about a new facility — it's about building the infrastructure, capabilities, and workforce needed to support the future of SMRs in Canada and around the world.' Energy experts and environmental advocates have long criticized the Ford government's heavy investment in nuclear power, saying it ignores Ontario's strong potential for cheaper, faster renewable options like wind and solar. They warn the nuclear-heavy approach could raise costs, hurt affordability, and increase Ontario's dependence on foreign energy supplies. The government, however, argues that nuclear power is more cost-effective and land-efficient than renewables. In today's statement, the government says Ontario would need to build up to 8,900 megawatts of wind and solar, paired with battery storage, to replace the output of four SMRs — an alternative it claims would carry major risks, including large land requirements and the need for significant transmission infrastructure. But recent studies challenge nuclear's economic case. The Ontario Clean Air Alliance estimates electricity from new nuclear facilities could cost up to 3.6 times more than onshore wind and three times more than solar. Another report suggests Ontario could save up to $19 billion annually by switching to wind, solar and storage, instead of pursuing the proposed Wesleyville mega-nuclear project near Port Hope. Growing skepticism over the cost of small modular reactors echoes global concerns. In the US, two reactors in South Carolina were scrapped after $12.5 billion (CAD) was spent, leading to Westinghouse Nuclear's bankruptcy. Georgia's Vogtle plant , more than twice its original estimate, making it one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in US history. In the UK and Europe, are also facing delays, cost overruns and cancellations.
Al Etihad
27-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
ENEC, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy sign partnership during World Utilities Congress 2025
27 May 2025 13:10 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) have signed an agreement at the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi to jointly evaluate the deployment of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology agreement enables ENEC and GE Vernova Hitachi to further cooperate following the signing of an agreement in 2023 on the sidelines of COP28 UAE to evaluate the technology as part of ENEC's ADVANCE programme for advanced nuclear technology. Nuclear energy is a crucial solution to meeting the current unprecedented demand for reliable, dispatchable, more sustainable power coming from a broad range of customers, including hyperscalers seeking to power data centres that support growth in the AI and technology agreement was signed during a private ceremony at the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi, Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC and Maví Zingoni, CEO of GE Vernova's Power segment, exchanged signed agreements as part of their commitment to explore opportunities for international deployment by collaborating on a development roadmap that will include site identification, licensing pathways, investment and commercialisation strategies and supply chain development. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, said, "As we continue to power the UAE with clean, baseload electricity around the clock, we are glad to move to the next level of cooperation with GE Vernova Hitachi to accelerate the deployment of new advanced nuclear reactor technologies in the UAE and internationally. This agreement will bring together our complementary expertise to identify a clear roadmap for deployment, which is essential to ensure safe, efficient and quality-led nuclear delivery, as we have experienced here in the UAE. As global power demand continues to grow at pace, we look forward to advancing new solutions to meet this growth in a sustainable manner."Maví Zingoni, CEO of GE Vernova's Power Businesses, said, "Small modular reactors have an essential role to play in an energy secure future, and we are pleased to advance our collaboration with ENEC as the UAE seeks to be an early mover for nuclear innovation. With construction of the first BWRX-300 moving forward in Canada, collaborating with ENEC further strengthens our ties with the UAE and ability to deliver this technology and achieve a more sustainable energy future."As developer and operator of the four-unit Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi, ENEC brings significant expertise following the successful deployment of civil nuclear energy to power the UAE's grid, aligned to the highest standards of international quality and safety. ENEC is a member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Atlanta Center, and is therefore aligned on US operating standards and regulatory environment, combined with unique expertise in deployment, financing and 25 per cent of the UAE is powered by nuclear energy, with each unit of the plant brought onto the grid in a highly efficient 7.9 years. GE Vernova's Nuclear Power 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 May 8, the Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) approved the deployment of the first BWRX-300 at the Darlington nuclear site in Ontario, Canada. This milestone will make the BWRX-300 the first SMR to be built in the Western world and marked a significant step forward in advancing nuclear from ENEC and GE Vernova Hitachi will now work together to evaluate and develop a comprehensive roadmap for deployment of the BWRX-300. This forms part of ENEC's ADVANCE Program, which was created to accelerate the evaluation and potential deployment of next generation nuclear technologies. Beyond the Barakah plant, ENEC is focused on identifying investment, collaboration, and deployment opportunities both in the UAE and overseas to support the rapid delivery of civil nuclear energy that can drive energy security and sustainability through the provision of clean baseload electricity. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
