Ontario welcomes $80 million investment in nuclear fuel manufacturing in Cambridge

BWXT’s expansion will create more than 250 good-paying jobs and support future nuclear energy production.

HAWKESBURY – The Ontario government welcomes an $80 million investment from BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) to expand its Cambridge nuclear fuel manufacturing facility. This investment will create more than 250 new skilled, unionized jobs in Cambridge and support the expansion of reliable, affordable and clean nuclear energy in Ontario to power our growing economy.

“As construction begins today on a new nuclear power plant and includes the creation of the G7’s first small modular reactor, I am very pleased to see world-class nuclear manufacturers like BWXT expanding their operations in Cambridge and hire more Ontario workers,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “The benefits of the nuclear industry in Ontario extend far beyond the Darlington, Pickering and Bruce generating stations, and this $80 million investment demonstrates how all communities can help meet the growing demand for clean energy in Ontario. Ontario, while securing local investment and creating even more well-paying jobs. »

This investment builds on BWXT’s existing operations in Ontario, already employing 1,200 people and supporting the continued operations of Ontario’s nuclear power plants in Darlington, Bruce and Pickering. While Ontario occupies a global leadership position in the field of new nuclear technologies, notably with the new Ontario Power Generation project which involves the construction of four small modular reactors in Darlington and the construction of the first nuclear power plant on a large scale for a generation at the Bruce site , BWXT is expanding its operations and hiring more Ontario workers so it can meet the growing demand here in Ontario, across Canada and beyond.

“Our expansion comes at a time when we are helping our customers deliver some of the largest clean nuclear energy projects in the world,” said John MacQuarrie, president of commercial operations at BWXT. “At the same time, the global nuclear industry is increasingly called upon to mitigate the effects of climate change and increase energy security and independence. By investing significantly in our Cambridge plant, BWXT strengthens our company’s position to serve our customers and produce safer, cleaner and more reliable electricity in Canada and abroad. »

The development of nuclear generation in the province supported by the expansion of BWXT’s facilities will provide families and industries with the reliable, inexpensive and clean energy needed to power the future with increasing electricity demand due to increased electrification and strong economic growth in the province.

Quick facts

  • The Independent Electricity System Operator’s Decarbonization Pathway Study report predicts that in less than 30 years, Ontario may need to more than double its electricity generation capacity from 42,000 megawatts (MW) today to 88,000 MW in 2050. According to this same report, an additional capacity of 17,800 MW of nuclear energy could be necessary to meet this peak in demand.
  • To meet the growing demand for electricity this decade, as outlined in the Fueling Ontario’s Growth plan , Ontario is making the largest purchase of clean energy storage in Canada, investing more than $1 billion in energy efficiency programs, supports the continued safe operation of the Pickering nuclear power plant and builds Canada’s first small modular reactor to be integrated into the grid.
  • Ontario’s electricity system is one of the cleanest in the world. It is powered by a diverse set of energy sources, including nuclear power, hydroelectric power, renewable energy, natural gas and biomass.
  • Nuclear power currently provides approximately 50% of Ontario’s electricity and has been a safe and reliable part of Ontario’s electricity system since the 1960s, providing affordable, zero-emissions baseload power.
  • Construction of BWXT’s Cambridge expansion project will begin in the third quarter of 2024 and is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Quotes

“The advanced nuclear energy technology offered by leaders like BWXT will help Ontario compete on the global economic stage. The 250 well-paying jobs and increased production capacity that this investment will secure strengthen our province’s nuclear sector and our system’s ability to meet growing energy demands. »

– Vic FedeliMinister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

“As Ontario leads the world in nuclear energy development, our government is proud to support the expansion of BWXT which will create 250 unionized jobs for highly skilled local tradespeople. With today’s announcement, our government’s plan continues to deliver better jobs with higher wages to more workers closer to home, generating the talent pipeline of the future . »

– David PicciniMinister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

Additional Resources

Fueling Ontario’s Growth

Learn more about Ontario’s plan to provide homes and industries with reliable, affordable and clean energy.

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