A new manufacturing facility related to nuclear energy will be built in Durham Region by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) and Canadian company Velan Inc.
The announcement was made in Paris, France, yesterday by Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce.
Lecce said the partnership agreement will support the deployment of Ontario-made nuclear components for small modular reactor projects across Europe. As part of the agreement, Velan plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Durham Region, helping position Ontario companies to meet growing global demand for (small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
Each new reactor built under this partnership is expected to generate up to $70 million in new investment for Ontario-made components, said a provincial statement.
The partnership agreement is 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.
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, said the statement.
Amir Mujezinovic, Strategy Leader, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, said: “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 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.