At the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris, Ontario showcased its growing influence in global nuclear energy development, announcing a new partnership aimed at advancing small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Europe. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Belgian Nuclear Forum have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to explore deploying Ontario-made SMRs in Belgium, reinforcing the province’s leadership in clean and reliable energy innovation.
Strengthening Global Energy Ties
The agreement marks another step in Ontario’s strategy to export its nuclear expertise to international markets. “As countries around the world look for affordable, reliable and clean energy, Ontario is leading the way. We are proud to work with Belgium to explore opportunities to deploy Ontario-made nuclear technology and SMR expertise,” said Minister Lecce during the announcement. “This new partnership builds on Belgium’s decision to restart its nuclear generation program, which is critical to their energy independence from Russia and reflects Ontario’s global leadership as a respected and advanced nuclear operator.”
The partnership follows Belgium’s renewed commitment to nuclear energy after previously planning to phase it out. As Europe seeks to secure energy independence and transition away from fossil fuels, Ontario’s experience operating one of the most advanced nuclear fleets in the world has made it an attractive collaborator.
Ontario’s Expanding Nuclear Footprint
Ontario’s nuclear industry has been gaining global recognition as the province leads construction of the G7’s first SMR at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site. The project represents a milestone in clean energy development, designed to provide scalable, emissions-free power while supporting industrial growth.
“The world is watching and turning to Ontario as we build the G7’s first SMR, backed by our reputation of delivering nuclear projects, on-time and on-budget, while exporting our clean energy advantage to fast-growing economies,” Lecce said. Ontario has already established similar agreements with Estonia and Poland to deploy 24 SMRs, along with major refurbishment work on CANDU reactors at Romania’s Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.
These ventures are opening new international markets for Ontario’s nuclear supply chain, generating skilled employment opportunities and reinforcing the province’s position as a global clean-energy leader.
Economic Growth Through Nuclear Innovation
Ontario’s domestic nuclear program remains a central driver of Canada’s clean energy economy. The province plans to refurbish its entire nuclear fleet and pursue the largest nuclear expansion project in North America. This sweeping effort is projected to add approximately $160 billion to Canada’s GDP during construction and $630 billion during operational phases. Employment impacts are significant—nearly 80,000 jobs are expected during the construction phase and 64,000 during operations.
At home, Ontario’s Darlington site will see the construction of four new SMRs, a cornerstone of the government’s plan to sustain economic growth while protecting energy affordability. The project is expected to create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs and inject about $500 million annually into Ontario’s economy. Over its 65-year lifespan, it is projected to add $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP and support 3,700 high-skilled positions in engineering, operations, and maintenance.
Positioning Ontario as a Global Energy Superpower
Ontario’s expanding international partnerships and domestic nuclear projects reflect a coordinated push to secure long-term energy reliability while capitalizing on export opportunities in the clean technology sector. As global demand for low-carbon power continues to rise, SMRs are increasingly viewed as a practical and flexible solution for countries seeking to reduce emissions without compromising grid stability.
Through initiatives like the OPG–Belgian Nuclear Forum agreement, Ontario is extending its clean energy leadership abroad while reinforcing economic growth at home. The province’s expertise in nuclear safety, design, and project execution continues to attract international interest, cementing its role as both a supplier and strategic partner in the global transition to net-zero energy systems.
As the world confronts the dual challenge of energy security and decarbonization, Ontario’s blend of technological innovation and disciplined project management is positioning it at the forefront of a new nuclear era—one that promises to power economies, strengthen alliances, and advance a sustainable global future.
