Ontario’s nuclear energy push leads to hundreds of new jobs in Cambridge

As the provincial government continues its efforts to expand Ontario’s energy generation capacity, a Cambridge manufacturer is set to reap the benefits.

Energy and Electrification Minister Stephen Lecce stopped by BWXT Canada to announce the province has authorized Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to sign contracts with BWXT to manufacture steam generators for the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. At the same time, the company will also produce the reactor pressure vessel for the first small modular reactor (SMR) in the G7 at Darlington.

The $1 billion deal is expected to create over 350 new jobs combined between the two projects.

The production of 48 new steam generators will create more than 250 highly-skilled trades jobs in addition to engineers and support staff. While the SMR project will support 100 additional jobs with BMXT, making it the first manufacturer in North America to begin this type of work for SMR technology.

While making the announcement, Lecce said deals like these are about securing the province’s energy future.

“This government is planning to ensure we have the affordable and reliable energy we will need because we’re going to need 75 per cent more power between now and 2050. As we often say, that’s like adding four-and-a-half cities of Toronto to the grid.”

Lecce also said these projects will continue Ontario’s legacy as a global leader in nuclear energy production and innovation.

“Nations around the world, democracies and allies, want more Canadian tech and more Canadian resources. And, we’re going to make sure that facilities like this are set-up to export world class nuclear components and expertise to all areas of the world.”