Ontario Expanding Small Modular Reactor Supply Chain into European Markets

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.

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