Canada is an energy superpower, with substantial fossil fuel resources and plentiful hydroelectric power. But in Ontario, the province that accounts for the majority of Canada’s economic activity, nuclear power is beginning to take a more prominent role.
Home to 16 of Canada’s 17 nuclear reactors, Ontario’s nuclear sector powers millions of homes and supports thousands of jobs. This shift is part of a larger effort to reduce dependence on dirtier energy sources – the province shut down its last coal-fired power plant a decade ago – while building on existing strengths in nuclear engineering and technology.
Now, as Ontario is taking big steps to lead the largest expansion of nuclear energy in North America, Waterloo is playing a vital role in advancing innovation and growth. Here’s how our region is contributing to Ontario’s exciting nuclear story.
Ontario’s nuclear snapshot
Ontario has long been a nuclear powerhouse, with one of the cleanest energy grids in the world. 50% of Ontario’s energy needs are met by nuclear energy. From Bruce Power, the largest nuclear facility in the world, to Darlington and Pickering plants, the province produces around 12,700 MW of clean energy.
The province is undergoing one of the largest refurbishment programs to extend the life of its existing nuclear fleet. Beyond powering the grid, these refurbishments are creating opportunities for innovation, job creation and investments in advanced manufacturing and supply chain industries.
At the same time, the province is leading the development and deployment of grid-scale Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for first time in Canada and the G7, to meet the rising energy demands.
Did You Know?
According to the province, the nuclear refurbishment project is expected to contribute about $160B to Canada’s GDP during construction and $630B during operations. The SMR project will add $38.5B to Canada’s GDP over the next 65 years.
As these massive projects take shape, they rely on a broad ecosystem of partners – from advanced manufacturers to engineering and construction experts. These are exactly the areas where the Waterloo community’s strengths truly shine.
Waterloo’s nuclear ecosystem
With deep expertise in advanced manufacturing, automation, nuclear engineering and R&D, the Waterloo region is fast emerging as an important hub of nuclear innovation. It’s also home to two of the world’s top-10 SMR companies – BWXT and Westinghouse.
Take a look at some of the major players and support organizations shaping our nuclear energy ecosystem:
BWXT Canada
BWXT Canada, headquartered in Cambridge (one of the cities in our region), operates one of the leading nuclear manufacturing facilities in North America. The company is investing $80M to expand its facility and develop an innovation hub. BWXT also secured $1B in projects with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to support the 30-year life extension of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and deploy Canada’s first SMR at Darlington plant.
Westinghouse
A global leader in the nuclear industry, Westinghouse opened its global engineering hub in Kitchener (one of the cities in our region) in 2024. Tapping into the deep talent pool and innovation ecosystem, the company provides essential services to the operating CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium) reactors while advancing the next generation of nuclear technologies. The company partners with OPG for potential areas of cooperation for nuclear deployment.
ATS Corporation
ATS Corporation, headquartered in Cambridge, is a global automation specialist with deep expertise in the nuclear industry. The company provides advanced tooling, automation and full life-cycle services for nuclear projects, including refurbishment, decommissioning, operations, maintenance and fabrication.
Eclipse Automation
Eclipse Automation, also headquartered in Cambridge, is a full-service nuclear partner that provides expertise across the entire project lifecycle. Using advanced digital twin technology, the company also offers simulated reactor operations before physical assembly to optimize designs, improve efficiency and enhance safety. It also partners with Westinghouse to support the deployment of new-built projects in Canada and globally.
Aecon Industrial
Aecon Industrial provides engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance support to the nuclear sector. Their Cambridge facility specializes in delivering prefabricated piping and modules, helping streamline complex projects and support Ontario’s nuclear infrastructure.
Mirion Technologies (IST Canada) Inc.
Headquartered in the U.S., Mirion Technologies’ Cambridge facility provides engineering services to the nuclear sector. The company also designs and manufactures in-core instrumentation for commercial nuclear power plants.
Several local companies – including Perfection Inspection Limited, Element and Cambridge Materials Testing – provide nuclear-grade testing and inspection. In addition to these companies, our community’s strength in robotics and automation and AI complement the industry, enabling companies to develop advanced tooling and automated systems for nuclear innovation.
Research and talent pipeline
Beyond manufacturing and engineering, our region contributes to nuclear innovation through research and talent. The University of Waterloo actively collaborates with industry and government partners like Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) on advanced nuclear research and SMRs.
With over $1.3M in federal funding, Waterloo researchers are advancing SMR technologies to enhance safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability, while training the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers. In fact, it’s home to the largest engineering school in Canada.
Other post-secondary institutions, including Conestoga College and Wilfrid Laurier University, supply skilled engineers and technicians to organizations supporting the province’s nuclear supply chain. For example, Conestoga College is home to energy systems engineering, energy management and power systems engineering programs.
Waterloo at the heart of Ontario’s nuclear future
Ontario’s bold commitment to nuclear energy is supported by Waterloo’s innovative companies, research and talent that make these projects possible. This synergy positions the region as a nucleus for nuclear advancements, creating opportunities for growth and investment.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario is a nuclear powerhouse, with one of the cleanest energy grids in the world.
- Waterloo is playing a critical role in advancing innovation and growth in Ontario’s nuclear sector.
- Waterloo’s nuclear ecosystem is home to several major players in the industry, including two of the world’s top-10 Small Modular Reactors: BWXT and Westinghouse.
- In Waterloo, there is a strong research and talent pipeline that is fueling future nuclear innovation.