CAMBRIDGE – As part of its plan to refurbish and expand nuclear energy generation, the Ontario government is helping create more than 350 jobs in Cambridge. The province has authorized Ontario Power Generation to sign contracts, valued at over $1 billion, with BWXT Canada to manufacture steam generators for the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, and the reactor pressure vessel for the first small modular reactor (SMR) in the G7 at Darlington.
"Ontario needs steady leadership to build out a clean and affordable energy future, by leveraging our province’s nuclear advantage," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. "As we expand and refurbish our nuclear fleet, we are announcing a major contract that creates 350 jobs with materials and components proudly stamped with ‘Made-in-Ontario.’ As Premier Ford continues to lead the fight against U.S. tariffs, our government will continue to build in Ontario and promote our technology and resources to the world."
To support the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, BWXT will manufacture 48 new steam generators, which convert heat from the reactor into steam that drive turbines to generate electricity. This work, valued at $960 million over seven years, will create more than 250 highly skilled trades jobs, in addition to engineers and supporting staff.
BWXT will also procure all materials and manufacture the reactor pressure vessel for the Darlington New Nuclear Project, as part of the first on-grid SMR in the G7, supporting 100 additional jobs. BWXT is the first manufacturer in North America to begin this type of work for an SMR technology, furthering Ontario’s position as a global leader in nuclear innovation and production.
"The BWXT team stands ready to help our customers and Ontario create a future that provides abundant, emissions-free electricity, while increasing sustainable, good-paying jobs for Canada," said John MacQuarrie, President, BWXT Commercial Operations. "We’ve been taking strategic steps to further meet the current and anticipated demand for nuclear power. These significant projects leverage BWXT’s extensive capabilities and specialized expertise in the delivery of large components for the domestic and global nuclear industry."
This investment in Ontario nuclear manufacturing, with 80 per cent of spending happening in the province, will leverage BWXT’s recent investment of $80 million to expand their Cambridge facility that began in 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2026. The facility is already one of the largest commercial manufacturing facilities in North America, currently employing 1,200 people.
"Premier Ford and Minister Lecce are leading the largest expansion of nuclear energy on the continent to help meet soaring energy demand, creating new jobs in Cambridge and across the province," said Brian Riddell, MPP, for Cambridge. "I couldn’t be more pleased that 350 workers in Cambridge will help manufacture the key components we need to power our growing province and cement Ontario’s position as a global leader in nuclear innovation."
Last November, the Minister of Energy and Electrification concluded a successful trade mission to Poland and Estonia to discuss SMRs and support European allies looking to build their energy independence in the face of Russian aggression and to help reduce their reliance on coal power. The mission resulted in signing agreements with major European energy companies, Orlen Synthos Green Energy and Fermi Energia, that could leverage Ontario based suppliers like BWXT, as they develop and deploy SMRs in their jurisdictions.
Expanding Ontario’s nuclear fleet is just one part of Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future, the government’s plan for rising energy demand, which includes:
Energy Planning – Developing the province’s first integrated energy plan, including all energy resources, such as electricity, natural gas, and other fuels to ensure the province’s energy needs are met in a coordinated and long-term manner.
Nuclear Energy – Advancing clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear power through pre-development work at Bruce Power on the province’s first large-scale nuclear build in 30 years, four small modular reactors at Darlington, supporting OPG’s plan for refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and exploring new nuclear energy generation in Port Hope.
New Transmission Infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmission lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creation, including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.
Keeping Costs Down – Launching new energy efficiency programs worth $10.9 billion over the next 12 years, which will help families and businesses reduce electricity usage and save money on energy bills.
Additional Competitive Procurements – Launching the largest competitive procurement of clean energy resources in the province’s history in addition to successfully re-contracting existing capacity resources at about a 30 per cent discount.
Quick Facts
According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase by 75 per cent by 2050, the equivalent of adding four and a half cities the size of Toronto to the grid.
Ontario’s electricity system is among the cleanest in the world, powered by a diverse supply mix including nuclear, hydroelectric, renewables, natural gas, and biomass.
Nuclear power currently provides about 50 per cent of Ontario’s electricity supply and has been a safe and reliable part of Ontario’s electricity system since the 1960s, providing affordable baseload power with zero emissions.
In December 2022, OPG broke ground to prepare for the first grid-scale SMR in Canada and the G7 at Darlington, with construction of the first unit scheduled to be complete by 2028.
Quotes
"BWXT has a long and proud history in Cambridge, supporting Ontario's nuclear power generation capacity and ensuring the reliability of the province's energy grid. This investment continues that legacy, creating hundreds of skilled jobs and reinforcing our community's role in building a clean and sustainable energy future for Ontario."
- Jess Dixon
MPP, Kitchener South - Hespeler
"By refurbishing existing assets at Pickering Nuclear, and building SMRs at the Darlington New Nuclear Project, OPG is helping Ontario meet rapidly growing demand for low-carbon, reliable baseload nuclear energy. Ontario’s robust nuclear supply chain, including trusted partners like BWXT, will help ensure these large nuclear projects have the components necessary to complete these projects on time, on budget, safely and with quality."
- Nicolle Butcher
President & CEO, OPG
"The Ontario government’s announcement is a testament to the world-class talent and innovation found right here in Cambridge. As a staple in the City’s business community, enriching the city’s industrial heritage since the 1840s, BWXT’s longevity has been a wonderful success story. The creation of over 350 new jobs at BWXT is a win for Cambridge, bringing new opportunities for skilled tradespeople, engineers, and support staff. This investment not only solidifies Cambridge as a hub for advanced manufacturing, but also highlights our contribution to Ontario’s leadership in clean, reliable energy production. We thank the province for this investment and are proud to play a part in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for our province and beyond."
- Jan Liggett
Mayor, Town of Cambridge
"Among the many benefits of Ontario’s nuclear sector is the province-wide economic impact it carries. Refurbishment projects are creating jobs and driving growth in communities across the province—supporting the production of clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Congratulations to NII Founding Member BWXT Canada and to the Province of Ontario on this significant announcement."
- Jessica Linthorne
President & CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII)
"This announcement by the Ontario government for Ontario Power Generation and BWXT to proceed with the steam generator procurement needed to support the Pickering refurbishment and Darlington new nuclear SMR projects is tremendous news for our nuclear industry. Along with the valuable job creation and economic impact of this announcement and these projects, today is another example of how the Ontario government is leading the way for investments in clean energy transition and nuclear deployment. OPG and BWXT are two examples of the strength of our Tier 1 industry, and OCNI and the rest of our supply chain members are pleased to support these initiatives and the overall growth of our nuclear industry."
- Brian Fehrenbach
President & CEO, Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries
"Since the 1850s, BWXT has been at the forefront of innovation and technology when Stephen Wilcox patented the water tube boiler. One of Cambridge’s pride and joy, BWXT has provided great jobs, for highly talented people for over 160 years. Their expertise is found in few other companies in the world, we are proud of our hometown crew at BWXT, electrifying not only Cambridge but the rest of our Province as well with the Ontario government."
- Greg Durocher
President & CEO, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
"We are glad to see a significant investment in good, community-sustaining union jobs, for now and the future. This will help Ontario meet its energy needs in the future green economy and it is crucial that governments continue to invest in good jobs and sustainable energy sources, like what our provincial government is doing today."
- Kevon Stewart
USW District 6 Director, Ontario and Atlantic Region
Additional Resources
Learn about the government’s vision for Ontario’s energy future.
Learn about Ontario’s plan to provide families and industries with reliable, low-cost and clean power.
Comments