BWXT Wins Key Manufacturing Contracts for Pickering and Darlington Projects

BWXT Secures Significant Manufacturing Deals to Support Pickering and Darlington Nuclear Power Plant Upgrades

BWX Technologies, has announced the award of two significant contracts, valued at more than C$1 billion, to support two transformative nuclear energy projects in Ontario. These projects, part of Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) ambitious plans, include the life extension of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and the deployment of a new small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington site.

The first contract will see BWXT manufacture 48 steam generators at its state-of-the-art Cambridge facility. These generators will play a critical role in OPG’s life extension of the Pickering facility, ensuring its operation for an additional 30 years. The project is expected to create over 250 skilled trades positions, including welders, fitters, and machinists, alongside an increase in engineering and support staff. With a project timeline of over seven years, a substantial portion of the work is expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. The contract is a collaboration between BWXT and CanAtom, a joint venture between global engineering firm AtkinsRéalis and Aecon.

The second contract involves the manufacture of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR). As the largest component in the SMR technology, the RPV contains the reactor core, coolant, and support structures. BWXT will be the first manufacturer in North America to undertake this type of work for SMR technology, playing a crucial role in the global deployment of SMRs. This contract was booked in the second quarter of 2024, marking a key milestone in the continued expansion of SMRs as a next-generation energy solution.

Strategic Investments in Ontario’s Nuclear Workforce and Economy

Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, joined BWXT at its Cambridge facility to announce these historic contracts. “Ontario needs more nuclear energy to meet growing electricity demand, and it’s our province’s highly skilled workers that will make it all possible,” Lecce remarked. He expressed his pride in companies like BWXT, which are investing in the province’s workforce and helping to establish Ontario as a global leader in new nuclear technologies.

John MacQuarrie, president of BWXT Commercial Operations, highlighted the company’s commitment to meeting both current and future demands for nuclear power. “The BWXT team stands ready to help our customers and Ontario create a future that provides abundant, emissions-free electricity, while increasing sustainable, good-paying jobs for Canada,” MacQuarrie said. “These significant projects leverage BWXT’s extensive capabilities and specialized expertise in the delivery of large components for the domestic and global nuclear industry.”

Lisa McBride, Canada Country Leader for GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), added, “The contract to fabricate the reactor pressure vessel for the first BWRX-300 is another key milestone in the deployment of this technology. We are excited to be working with BWXT to move this project forward, while bringing benefits to manufacturing workers in Ontario.”

Supporting Ontario’s Clean Energy Future

The Pickering Life Extension Program, now in its early phases, aims to extend the operational life of the Pickering “B” fleet of reactors, which provide about 10% of Ontario’s electricity. This extension will support Ontario’s commitment to providing reliable, clean energy for its citizens, ensuring that the reactors remain operational through the 2030s. Refurbishing existing nuclear assets, alongside building new SMRs at the Darlington site, will help meet the province’s growing demand for low-carbon energy, a crucial step in achieving Ontario’s climate goals.

Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation, expressed confidence that the Pickering extension and Darlington projects will contribute significantly to Ontario’s future energy needs. “By refurbishing existing assets at Pickering Nuclear, and building SMRs at the Darlington New Nuclear Project, OPG is helping Ontario meet rapidly growing demand for low-carbon, reliable baseload nuclear energy,” Butcher said. “Ontario’s robust nuclear supply chain, including trusted partners like BWXT, will ensure these large nuclear projects have the components necessary to complete them on time, on budget, safely, and with quality.”

The Pickering facility’s CANDU® reactors, an essential component of Ontario’s energy infrastructure, are considered a source of national pride due to their role in providing reliable, clean power. Joe St. Julian, President of Nuclear at AtkinsRéalis, emphasized the continued importance of CANDU technology. “CANDU technology, as Canada’s only domestically developed, large-scale nuclear technology, is a source of national pride,” he said. “We are pleased to continue working with BWXT as a major player in the CANDU supply chain and a proud supporter of CANDU. The CANDU reactors at OPG are indispensable to providing Ontario with energy security and reliable, clean power.”

The involvement of Aecon, a key player in the nuclear sector, further underscores the collective effort to maintain the supply of clean, reliable electricity. “The Pickering Refurbishment Project will help ensure the supply of clean, safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for future generations,” said Aaron Johnson, Senior Vice President of Nuclear at Aecon Group Inc. “We look forward to safely delivering this critical project and advancing our work with BWXT alongside our client OPG and partner AtkinsRéalis.”

Small Modular Reactors: A Step Towards the Future of Nuclear Energy

The BWRX-300 SMR, which will be part of OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project, is scheduled to be the first on-grid SMR in the G7 nations. This water-cooled, natural circulation SMR design incorporates passive safety systems and builds upon the design and licensing foundation of GEH’s U.S. NRC-certified ESBWR. It represents a major advancement in nuclear technology and is expected to play a significant role in reducing global carbon emissions while providing reliable power to growing populations.

BWXT’s Cambridge facility, already one of the largest commercial nuclear equipment manufacturing plants in North America, is preparing for an expansion worth C$80 million. This investment will further support current and future nuclear projects in Ontario and globally, reflecting the growing demand for nuclear technology as a key solution to the world’s energy needs.

A Bright Future for Ontario’s Nuclear Industry

With these contracts, BWXT is playing a pivotal role in the future of nuclear energy in Ontario and around the world. The company’s work will not only support the extension of one of Canada’s most important nuclear assets but also contribute to the development of next-generation small modular reactors that promise to be a cornerstone of sustainable, low-carbon energy for decades to come.

The Pickering and Darlington projects are emblematic of Ontario’s continued leadership in nuclear energy and the global transition toward a clean energy future. BWXT’s role in these projects underscores its position as a key player in the nuclear sector, and its investment in Ontario’s workforce and facilities ensures that the province will remain at the forefront of nuclear innovation.

As Ontario Power Generation moves forward with these projects, the strength of its partnerships with companies like BWXT and AtkinsRéalis will be critical in delivering these large-scale, high-impact projects safely and efficiently, while continuing to provide clean, reliable power to the people of Ontario and beyond.

Looking Ahead

While the projects are just beginning, they represent significant milestones in Ontario’s nuclear energy landscape. With continued investment in technology, workforce, and infrastructure, the future looks bright for Ontario’s nuclear industry, promising a steady supply of low-carbon energy and a sustainable future for generations to come.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those related to the performance, timing, impact, and value of the contracts. Factors such as changes to the contracts, delays, and unforeseen challenges may affect the outcome of these projects. For further details on these risks, please refer to BWXT’s annual and quarterly reports. BWXT cautions against placing undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as they are subject to change and will not necessarily be updated unless required by applicable law.

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