PICKERING — Ontario is moving to deepen its footprint in the emerging fusion energy sector with a $19.5-million investment to establish the Centre for Fusion Energy, a new research hub the province says will bolster its clean-energy capacity and help position its economy for long-term growth.
Announced Friday, the initiative is framed by the government as a strategic effort to capitalize on Ontario’s long-standing nuclear expertise while accelerating the commercialization of next-generation power technologies. Officials say the centre will support advanced research, strengthen industrial partnerships and attract new private investment in a field that global competitors are increasingly prioritizing.
“Ontario’s world-renowned researchers are driving the energy sector into a new era of clean energy,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is leveraging our province’s position as a nuclear powerhouse to fuel fusion energy discoveries that will advance our industries, build our energy workforce and protect Ontario.”
Fusion energy — the process of generating power by fusing atomic nuclei under extreme conditions — has long been considered a promising but elusive clean-power source. Governments worldwide are now scaling investments as technological advances bring the sector closer to potential commercial viability.
The province says the new centre will help ensure Ontario remains competitive as breakthroughs accelerate. Plans include facilitating partnerships between academia and industry, expanding hands-on training opportunities and stimulating both research activity and economic development across the province.
“Ontario is an advanced nuclear operator that embraces the first mover advantage, starting with leveraging Canadian CANDU technology over 50 years ago to building the G7’s first Small Modular Reactor today,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “As fusion energy represents the next frontier in clean 24/7 power, Ontario is again leading the way with Ontario Power Generation delivering the Centre for Fusion Energy. Ontario is doubling down on our nuclear advantage by investing in the development of fusion nuclear power — an almost inexhaustible source of emission-free energy for future generations.”
The Centre for Fusion Energy is being developed with several major partners, including the federal government, Stellarex Group Limited, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Ottawa, through AECL, will invest $33 million, while Stellarex intends to contribute up to $39 million. Ontario has signed a memorandum of understanding with OPG, which will oversee all aspects of the project on the province’s behalf.
“Through a new Centre for Fusion Energy, Canada and Ontario are taking another step forward to strengthen our nuclear energy sector,” said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “Our new government is proud to work with the province to support Canadian investments that will broaden our clean energy research and grow our fusion energy sector.”
The initiative aligns with the province’s Energy for Generations plan, which aims to ensure Ontario maintains a reliable, affordable supply of clean power to support population growth, industrial expansion and major electrification demands in the coming decades.
The government says Ontario’s nuclear ecosystem — which includes more than 75,000 workers across the supply chain — provides a strong foundation for scaling fusion technologies. If a fusion power plant is eventually built in Ontario, the province estimates it could generate up to 63,000 new jobs by 2050. Canada could see up to $523-billion in national economic benefits by 2100 if fusion becomes commercially viable.
Ontario also holds nearly the entire global supply of commercial tritium, a key fuel for many experimental fusion designs, thanks to its fleet of CANDU reactors. The province has been positioning this resource as a competitive advantage, signing an agreement in September 2025 for OPG to explore supplying tritium to the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.
Local representatives say the new centre will help secure economic benefits for communities across the province.
“This $19.5 million investment is about strengthening Ontario as a global leader in energy research and commercialization. This investment in fusion energy research will pave the way for more jobs, investments, and education opportunities in our community for decades to come.”
— Peter Bethlenfalvy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge
Private-sector partners also emphasized the strategic value of consolidating fusion research capacity in Ontario.
“OPG has a long history of leadership in Canada’s nuclear industry, and we recognize the role fusion may play in meeting Ontario’s — and the world’s — future clean energy needs. As this technology moves toward commercial implementation, OPG — through the Centre — will work to develop a domestic fusion ecosystem that positions Ontario and Canada as leaders in this rapidly-developing technology.”
— Kim Lauritsen, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Strategy and Growth, OPG
“Ontario’s nuclear expertise and its unique global competitive advantages make Canada an ideal place to accelerate fusion energy development. With our provincial and federal government partners, Stellarex will strengthen Canada’s fusion energy know-how, build a fusion energy prototype, and prepare the fusion-ready workforce needed to deliver fusion power to the grid.”
— Spencer Pitcher, Chief Executive Officer-designate, Stellarex
“Fusion is a critical, long-term, global scientific challenge, and Canada has developed a number of unique capabilities that will allow us to play an important role in its future. Working together, across levels of government, and between public, private, and academic institutions is essential for realizing our collective potential.”
— Fred Dermarkar, President and CEO, AECL
““This agreement marks an exciting moment for fusion energy here in Canada. It speaks to the spirit of exploration, innovation, and collaboration. This new Centre better connects CNL’s deep experience and globally unique capabilities in tritium and materials research with the industrial partners seeking to move this promising clean energy technology towards deployment.”
— Dr. Stephen Bushby, Vice-President, Science and Technology, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
