Ontario Expanding Small Modular Reactor Supply Chain into European Markets

PARIS, FRANCE — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7, the Ontario government is announcing that GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) and Canadian company Velan Inc. have signed a partnership agreement to explore opportunities to deploy Reactor Integral Isolation Valves (RIIVs) and Containment Isolation Valves (CIVs), critical pieces of safety equipment for BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) projects in Europe. As part of this partnership, Velan plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Durham Region to help meet rising global demand for SMR technologies, that will see each new reactor built bring up to $70 million worth of new investment into Ontario for world-class components.

"When Ontario committed to building the Western world's first Small Modular Reactor, we did so to secure a first-mover advantage for our workers, supply chain and industrial base,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “By signing this agreement with GE Vernova Hitachi and Velan, Ontario will build and export Ontario-made nuclear components for Europe’s growing SMR market. With more than $600 billion in global SMR investment expected in the decades ahead, our government is firing up the Ontario supply chain, helping create good-paying jobs for Canadians.”

By building the G7’s first grid-scale SMR, Ontario is strengthening made-in-Canada supply chains and securing its position as a global leader in supplying the world’s nuclear needs, while creating good-paying jobs here at home. With SMR projects advancing in Poland, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Estonia and the Netherlands, Europe is undergoing a major nuclear resurgence as countries seek reliable, affordable and secure sources of electricity. At the same time, decades of underinvestment have left many jurisdictions without the skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing capacity and specialized supply chains needed to deliver these projects at the pace and scale required. This pivotal shift is where Ontario’s expertise and industry is stepping in to deliver the world’s next generation of nuclear reactors.

"One of the key advantages of fleet deployment is the ability to apply experience from early projects to those that follow," said Amir Mujezinovic, Strategy Leader, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy. "Our work with Velan at Darlington has helped establish capabilities that can support future BWRX-300 opportunities in Europe. As we work with customers across the region, we remain committed to maximizing local participation while leveraging proven suppliers and expertise from projects already underway."

The construction, operation, and maintenance of the four SMR units at the Darlington New Nuclear Project will contribute an estimated $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next 65 years, with 80 per cent of project spending flowing to Ontario companies. The government has ensured that the project prioritizes Ontario workers and suppliers, sustaining approximately 3,800 highly skilled, good-paying jobs over the project’s lifecycle.

"The valve package represents some of the most critical equipment within a nuclear power plant, essential to safe and reliable operation and requiring specialized engineering, manufacturing, and stringent quality standards," said Laurent Pefferkorn, Executive Vice-President, Global Sales, Velan. "Building on our experience supporting the Darlington New Nuclear Project backed by more than seven decades of nuclear expertise, Velan is uniquely positioned to support GE Vernova Hitachi as a partner of choice in enabling future BWRX-300 deployments in Europe.”

SMRs play a central role in Energy for Generations, the government’s first-ever integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power it needs to power new homes and drive economic growth. The government’s integrated approach and record investments in energy infrastructure are also providing the certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.

Quick Facts

• According to the International Energy Agency, SMR investment is set to rise from $5 billion USD today to over $670 USD billion by 2050.

• In 2025, the Ontario government approved OPG’s plan to begin construction on the first of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site.

• The province and federal government are making historic investments in this nation-building project, including a $1 billion provincial investment through the Building Ontario Fund and a $2 billion federal investment through the Canada Growth Fund.

• The SMR supply chain has grown to more than 100 Canadian companies.

Quotes

"This investment delivers real results for Durham Region and across Ontario, creating new opportunities, supporting skilled local workers and strengthening our province’s world class nuclear advantage. This new advanced manufacturing facility positions Ontario as a global leader in clean, reliable energy while driving long term economic growth across the province."

- Peter Bethlenfalvy

Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge

"Durham Region continues to be at the forefront of Ontario's nuclear industry. This investment will create good-paying jobs, strengthen our local manufacturing sector, and build on the world-class expertise that exists throughout our region. As Ontario leads the development of small modular reactors, Durham Region's workers and businesses are helping supply the next generation of clean, reliable energy projects both at home and around the world."

- Lorne Coe

Member of Provincial Parliament for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security

"Through the construction of the four SMRs at Darlington, we are unlocking Ontario’s homegrown nuclear expertise, transforming local innovation into global solutions, powering clean energy worldwide, and creating jobs while strengthening our supply chains and economy at home."

- Todd McCarthy

Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham

"Ontario’s leadership in small modular reactors is creating real opportunities for Canadian suppliers. Today’s announcement shows how experience gained on domestic projects can support new opportunities in international markets, with GE Vernova Hitachi and Velan demonstrating the technical capability, quality standards, and manufacturing expertise needed for the next generation of nuclear projects. This partnership strengthens Ontario’s position as a nuclear leader while creating new opportunities for skilled workers, suppliers, and communities here at home."

- Ivette Vera-Perez

President and CEO, OCNI

"This agreement highlights how Canada's nuclear industry is creating jobs and opportunities for workers, manufacturers, and communities in Canada while strengthening our position in a growing global market. Ontario's SMR program is helping Canadian companies demonstrate their expertise internationally and creating new opportunities for our nuclear supply chain and positioning Canada as a nuclear energy leader. As countries around the world look to expand nuclear energy to meet growing electricity demand, Canadian suppliers are well positioned to support the next generation of nuclear projects."

- George Christidis

President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association

"From Ontario's innovative nuclear sector to strategic projects around the world, Canadian-made safety equipment is powering the next generation of new nuclear—creating jobs in Ontario, strengthening our supply chains and positioning this province as a global leader in clean energy."

- Jessica Linthorne

President and CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute

"The Canadian Association of Small Modular Reactors applauds the announcement by GE Vernova Hitachi and Velan Inc. This collaboration demonstrates that Ontario's first-mover advantage in deploying the G7's first grid-scale SMR is already generating benefits beyond our borders. Investments in new nuclear are strengthening Canada's energy future while creating the industrial capabilities, manufacturing capacity, and skilled workforce needed to serve a growing global market. The establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Durham Region to support SMR deployments in Canada and internationally is a clear example of how nuclear leadership translates into export opportunities, economic growth, and long-term job creation. It also demonstrates how Canadian expertise and supply chain capabilities are becoming an integral part of the global nuclear industry, supporting projects across North America, Europe, and beyond."

- Erveina Gosalci

Founder and CEO, Canadian Association of Small Modular Reactors

"This agreement demonstrates how Ontario’s investments in nuclear energy are generating economic benefits far beyond the project site. By advancing the G7’s first grid SMR, Ontario is helping build a globally competitive supply chain that supports highly skilled jobs, attracts new investment and creates export opportunities for Canadian companies. As demand for nuclear energy grows around the world, Ontario’s expertise and manufacturing capabilities are increasingly being recognized as a competitive advantage. Velan’s expanded investment in its Durham Region manufacturing facility shows how Ontario’s nuclear sector is attracting capital, creating jobs and building domestic supply chains, positioning our companies to lead globally while delivering lasting economic benefits across the province."

- Julie O’Driscoll

Executive Director, Ontario’s Nuclear Advantage

MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                              

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org