08.May
GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor approved for construction by the Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation
- The Western world’s inaugural small modular reactor (SMR) is set to commence construction shortly
TORONTO (May 8, 2025) – GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) has secured landmark approval from the Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to begin building the first BWRX-300 SMR. This authorization permits immediate construction of the initial reactor at OPG’s Darlington facility, with plans to complete the first unit by 2030 as part of a four-reactor deployment strategy.
“Ontario’s commitment to deploying the BWRX-300 SMR positions the province as a global pioneer in advanced nuclear technology,” stated Maví Zingoni, CEO, Power, GE Vernova. “Our collaborative efforts with OPG and industry partners will establish new benchmarks for nuclear innovation worldwide.”
Lisa McBride, Canada Country Leader, GVH, emphasized the project’s economic impact: “We’re thrilled to partner with OPG, AtkinsRéalis and Aecon on this groundbreaking initiative. Ontario’s industrial base will play a critical role in manufacturing components, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs while delivering long-term economic value through operations and maintenance.”
Preparatory groundwork at Darlington was finalized earlier this year, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission issued OPG’s construction license in April, marking a key regulatory milestone.
The 300 MW BWRX-300, representing the 10th generation of boiling water reactor technology, leverages decades of operational expertise through standardized design principles, established construction methodologies, and GVH’s cross-border regulatory collaboration experience.
With a Canadian presence spanning 130 years, GE Vernova has supported the nation’s nuclear sector since the 1950s. The company contributed to Canada’s first nuclear power plant, the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) reactor, which formed the foundation for the CANDU reactor family.
About GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy
Through its strategic partnership with Hitachi, GE Vernova’s Nuclear energy division stands as a premier global provider of nuclear fuel assemblies, technical services, and advanced reactor designs. The BWRX-300 SMR exemplifies the company’s innovation in boiling water reactor technology, offering simplified design complexity while maintaining cutting-edge performance. GE Vernova’s nuclear fuel business, Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), operates as a joint venture with Hitachi, Ltd., delivering reactor fuel and engineering solutions through facilities in Wilmington, N.C., and Kurihama, Japan. HITACHI is a trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. used under trademark license. | GE is a trademark of General Electric Company used under trademark license.
About GE Vernova
Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) operates as a specialized global energy enterprise encompassing Power, Electrification and Wind business segments. With a 130-year legacy addressing global energy challenges, the company focuses on advancing the energy transition through decarbonization solutions while maintaining reliable power infrastructure. Supporting 85,000 employees across 100 countries, GE Vernova’s technology portfolio aims to deliver affordable, sustainable energy systems that enhance global quality of life.
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