Ontario move signals next era for SMR engineering

A $50 million investment by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy is positioning Ontario as a global hub for small modular reactor (SMR) innovation. The new engineering and service centre—planned near the Darlington New Nuclear Project—will serve as the nerve centre for the deployment, maintenance, and training needs of Canada’s BWRX-300 reactor fleet.

With capabilities ranging from advanced virtual reality simulations to outage planning and inspection tech, this facility isn’t just about SMRs—it’s about setting a new global standard for how complex nuclear infrastructure is supported. More than 300 jobs will be created, alongside training opportunities for over 2,000 workers each year.

As nuclear innovation gains global traction, the playbook is shifting from project-by-project delivery to lifecycle service integration. Those who design, build, and manage major infrastructure need to think beyond build phases—and into the full operational arc.

Read the full article to see what this means for engineering innovation and the nuclear workforce of tomorrow.