GE Vernova Hitachi and Velan Agreement to Drive Exports and Manufacturing Growth in Durham Region
PARIS, France — Ontario is taking another step toward expanding its nuclear technology footprint beyond Canada, with a new partnership between GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) and Canadian manufacturer Velan Inc. aimed at supplying critical components for small modular reactor (SMR) projects across Europe.
Announced during a trade mission in Paris, the agreement will explore opportunities to deploy Reactor Integral Isolation Valves (RIIVs) and Containment Isolation Valves (CIVs) for GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 SMR projects planned across several European countries. The partnership is also expected to lead to the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Durham Region, strengthening Ontario’s role in the global nuclear supply chain.
Provincial officials say the initiative supports Ontario’s broader economic strategy of building a resilient and self-reliant economy while positioning the province as a leading supplier of advanced nuclear technologies to international markets.
“When Ontario committed to building the Western world’s first Small Modular Reactor, we did so to secure a first-mover advantage for our workers, supply chain and industrial base,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “By signing this agreement with GE Vernova Hitachi and Velan, Ontario will build and export Ontario-made nuclear components for Europe’s growing SMR market. With more than $600 billion in global SMR investment expected in the decades ahead, our government is firing up the Ontario supply chain, helping create good-paying jobs for Canadians.”
Durham Region Facility Expected to Support Growing Global Demand
As part of the agreement, Velan plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Durham Region to support increasing international demand for SMR technologies and components.
According to the Ontario government, every new reactor built using Ontario-manufactured components could generate up to $70 million in investment for the province through the production of specialized equipment.
The announcement comes as several European countries, including Poland, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Estonia and the Netherlands, move forward with plans to expand nuclear power generation. Governments across the region are increasingly turning to SMRs as a source of reliable, affordable and emissions-free electricity.
Ontario officials argue that many jurisdictions currently lack the manufacturing capacity, skilled workforce and established supply chains needed to deliver these projects efficiently, creating an opportunity for Ontario-based companies to fill that gap.
“One of the key advantages of fleet deployment is the ability to apply experience from early projects to those that follow,” said Amir Mujezinovic, Strategy Leader, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy. “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.”
Darlington Project Serving as Foundation for Export Opportunities
Ontario’s push into global SMR markets is closely tied to the province’s development of the Darlington New Nuclear Project, where construction is underway on what is expected to become the first grid-scale SMR deployment in the G7.
The province approved Ontario Power Generation’s plan in 2025 to begin construction on the first of four reactors at the Darlington nuclear site. The project has received significant support from both provincial and federal governments, including a $1 billion provincial investment through the Building Ontario Fund and a $2 billion federal investment through the Canada Growth Fund.
Government estimates suggest the construction, operation and maintenance of the four Darlington SMR units will contribute approximately $38.5 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product over the next 65 years. Officials also estimate that 80 per cent of project spending will flow to Ontario-based companies while supporting approximately 3,800 highly skilled jobs throughout the project lifecycle.
“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. “Building on our experience supporting the Darlington New Nuclear Project backed by more than seven decades of nuclear expertise, Velan is uniquely positioned to support GE Vernova Hitachi as a partner of choice in enabling future BWRX-300 deployments in Europe.”
Industry Leaders See Long-Term Economic Benefits
Industry organizations and regional leaders welcomed the announcement, describing it as evidence that Ontario’s early investment in SMR technology is creating new opportunities for domestic manufacturers and suppliers.
The province notes that its SMR supply chain now includes more than 100 Canadian companies. The International Energy Agency projects global SMR investment will grow from approximately US$5 billion today to more than US$670 billion by 2050, creating substantial opportunities for jurisdictions capable of supplying advanced nuclear technologies.
Ontario’s government says the initiative aligns with its Energy for Generations strategy, the province’s first integrated energy plan designed to ensure reliable electricity supply while supporting economic growth and industrial expansion.
As countries around the world seek dependable clean-energy solutions, Ontario is positioning its nuclear sector to become both a domestic economic driver and a major exporter of specialized technologies, expertise and manufacturing capabilities. The new GVH-Velan partnership represents the latest effort to transform the province’s nuclear investments into long-term export growth, skilled employment and international market opportunities.