Lisa McBride
Canada Country Leader, GE Vernova Hitachi
GE Vernova Hitachi is leading the way in SMR technology with proven deployment advantage, regulatory readiness, and active construction progress at Darlington.
As Canada works toward net-zero emissions, small modular reactors (SMRs) will play a key role. SMRs are more cost-effective than traditional nuclear reactors, faster to deploy, and better-equipped to power remote or off-grid locations. Their compact size, safety-focused design, and operational flexibility make SMRs well-suited to support Canada’s clean energy transition.
Delivering the Western World’s first SMR
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) is delivering the world’s first commercial, grid-scale SMR at the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Bowmanville, Ontario, along with Ontario Power Generation, Aecon and AtkinsRéalis.
Earlier this year, GVH’s SMR technology, the BWRX-300, made history when it was approved for construction by the Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation. “The BWRX-300 is the only shovels-in-the-ground project of its kind in the western world.” says Lisa McBride, Canada Country Leader at GVH. “We have decades of experience in terms of our ability to deliver.” GVH has deployed more than 60 boiling water reactors across 10 countries around the world.
The Darlington New Nuclear Project has been set up for success by its partners and the proven success of the Darlington refurbishment, which was completed ahead of schedule and on-budget. “This project is really laying the groundwork for the future in a number of ways. People want to learn from what we’re doing here in Ontario,” says McBride. “The whole world is watching.”
GVH also has an existing, licensed fuel design, based on proven boiling water reactor technology. “This is critical when it comes to delivery timelines and market readiness.” says McBride.
The BWRX-300 is the only shovels-in-the-ground project of its kind in the Western world.
Activating a pan-Canadian supply chain
GVH offers the most advanced SMR solution available today. By building capacity in Ontario and creating scalable, “nth-of-a-kind” delivery models, GVH is lowering costs, and making SMR adoption viable for other provinces.
“Another key element that de-risks the project is our opportunity to work with the Ontario supply chain,” says McBride, noting that the supply chain in Ontario has demonstrated its capability to deliver.
McBride notes that this project leverages “the best athletes in Canada”, pulling from GVH’s qualified supplier group to help ensure a reliable, cost effective and innovative process.
The Darlington project is expected to create 18,000 jobs during its construction, manufacturing, and operation. GVH’s new Canadian BWRX-300 Engineering and Service Centre will further bolster Ontario’s nuclear leadership and attract up to 2,000 nuclear professionals, suppliers, and international partners annually.
By enabling a generation of clean energy workers and suppliers who can support SMR deployments across multiple jurisdictions, the Darlington project is a national benchmark: providing clean, reliable energy while creating good jobs, mobilizing the supply chain, and demonstrating what’s possible for other provinces like Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Alberta, all of which have committed to collaborating on the deployment of SMRs in Canada. Building off this momentum, SaskPower has selected the BWRX-300 for potential deployment in the mid-2030s.
This foundation strengthens Canada’s global competitiveness in SMR deployment, enabling exports, workforce mobility, and delivery in markets like Poland and Sweden.
Learn more at gevernova.com/nuclear.
