TORONTO (June 23, 2025) – GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) has unveiled plans to develop an advanced BWRX-300 engineering and service centre in Canada, to be located in the Durham region near Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project.

The company intends to invest up to $50 million USD in the facility, contingent on further progress and the potential construction of three additional reactor units at the Darlington site.

The proposed centre will deliver engineering and technical support for the long-term operation and maintenance of a future fleet of BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs) in Ontario. Beyond operational support, it is also designed to function as a focal point for innovation, workforce training, supply chain collaboration, and knowledge exchange. The site is expected to attract up to 2,000 nuclear professionals, partners, and suppliers annually, contributing meaningful economic value to the Durham region.

The announcement was made during an event attended by Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce.

Heather Chalmers, President and CEO of GE Vernova Canada, emphasized that the new centre will strengthen Ontario’s leadership in nuclear energy while fostering a highly skilled workforce through advanced training infrastructure. She noted that the hub will connect local expertise with global SMR deployment efforts, ensuring access to cutting-edge innovation and talent.

Minister Lecce highlighted Ontario’s ambition to lead in next-generation nuclear development, pointing to job creation, workforce training, and long-term clean energy supply as key outcomes. He added that the investment reinforces the province’s strategy to build a competitive, domestically driven clean energy sector capable of exporting technology globally.

The announcement follows the Ontario government’s approval to proceed with construction of the first of four BWRX-300 reactors at the Darlington site—making it the first grid-scale SMR project approved within the G7. The initial unit is expected to be completed before the end of the decade.

The planned engineering and service centre will feature advanced capabilities, including a virtual reality simulator for operator training, as well as specialized systems to support safe refueling and maintenance operations. It will also focus on developing inspection and maintenance technologies tailored to SMR designs and act as a coordination hub for outage planning and execution.

The facility is targeted to become operational by late 2027, aligning with the deployment timeline of BWRX-300 units. In addition to supporting nuclear operations, the centre is expected to provide services across other GE Vernova business segments, further enhancing its economic impact. It will complement GVH’s existing operations in Wilmington, North Carolina.

About GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy

GE Vernova’s nuclear division, through its alliance with Hitachi, is a global leader in nuclear fuel solutions, services, and advanced reactor technologies. Its portfolio includes boiling water reactors and SMRs such as the BWRX-300, designed for simplicity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Its fuel business, Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), operates internationally, with major facilities in the United States and Japan.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements related to future events and expectations, including business performance, project outcomes, and market conditions. Such statements inherently involve uncertainties and risks, including factors related to investments, project execution, and broader economic conditions that may impact actual results.

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