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Ontario Applauds Saskatchewan’s Decision on Small Modular Reactors


Tuesday, 28 June 2022 12:00.PM

- SaskPower has selected Ontario Power Generation technology partner GE Hitachi to deploy the province’s first small modular reactor -

The Ontario government is pleased to support SaskPower’s announcement of GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy as the technology developer for Saskatchewan’s first small modular reactor (SMR).
In December 2021, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy was named as Ontario Power Generation’s technology development partner to deploy a BWRX-300 SMR at the Darlington new nuclear site, which is expected to be completed as early as 2028. By selecting the same technology developer, Saskatchewan is following Ontario’s lead to build their first SMR, and build on Canada’s legacy of leading the world in clean nuclear power. Saskatchewan-produced uranium linked with Ontario nuclear knowledge and expertise will create exciting new opportunities for both provinces at home and abroad.

“Ontario is proud to lead the way on new nuclear technologies. As an early mover in this field, we look forward to collaborating with Saskatchewan on its plan to deploy SMR technology,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “I am confident that the skill of Ontario’s nuclear operators and our robust nuclear supply chain will grant us even more opportunities to export Ontario’s nuclear expertise, especially as more and more countries realize that there is no path to net-zero without nuclear.”

Since December 2019, Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have been working together to advance SMRs in Canada through an inter-provincial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Alberta joined the MOU in April 2021. The provinces released a strategic plan for the deployment of SMRs during an announcement in Regina in March 2022 that highlighted how SMRs could provide safe and reliable power to meet communities’ growing needs, create good-paying jobs and help provinces meet their environmental goals.

Today’s announcement also builds on recent international partnerships on SMRs, with numerous companies joining Ontario in advancing GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 for deployment – including in Poland and Tennessee. Ontario's world leadership in SMRs builds on the legacy of Canadian-designed CANDU reactors which have helped several countries, including Argentina, South Korea, India and Romania, decrease their emissions for decades.

Ontario’s continued leadership in building the first GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR positions the province’s established supply chain with a significant first-mover advantage to play a significant role in the deployment of SMR projects worldwide.

Quick Facts

• SMRs are scalable and versatile nuclear reactors that typically produce up to 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power 300,000 homes. They can support large established grids, small grids, remote off-grid communities and resource projects.
• SMRs have the potential to drive job creation, economic growth and export opportunities and would allow Ontario to leverage its highly skilled nuclear industry and workforce to be a potential supplier of products, services and expertise in the global SMR market.
• Ontario currently has 15 nuclear units in operation – and three units under refurbishment – at three sites, providing over 50 per cent of the province’s clean electricity. The Darlington SMR will be the first new reactor in the province since 1993.
In December 2021, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, BWXT Canada Ltd. (BWXT Canada) and Synthos Green Energy announced their intention for BWXT Canada (based in Cambridge, Ontario) to build key components in Ontario for at least 10 SMRs for use in Poland. This agreement represents approximately $1 billion in contracts for BWXT Canada and marked the first major export opportunity of this made-in-Ontario technology.
• In February 2022, Tennessee Valley Authority also announced its intention to follow Ontario and advance GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 design at its Clinch River Nuclear Site in Tennessee.


SOURCE: Ontario Ministry of Energy