BWX Technologies (BWXT) secured contracts worth over C$1bn ($690m) for Ontario Power Generation (OPG)’s Pickering nuclear generating station life extension and the Darlington small modular reactor (SMR) projects in Ontario, Canada.
Under the terms of the first agreement, BWXT will manufacture 48 steam generators at its Cambridge facility for the Pickering life extension project. This work has been commissioned by CanAtom, a joint venture between AtkinsRéalis and Aecon.
The Pickering life extension project is expected to generate over 250 skilled trades positions, including welders, fitters, and machinists, alongside engineering and support roles.
The project is slated to span over seven years, with a substantial portion scheduled for Q4 2024.
Under the second contract, BWXT will produce the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 SMR.
The RPV, which is said to be the largest component of the reactor technology, houses the core, coolant, and support structures. The contract was booked in Q2 2024.
BWXT commercial operations president John MacQuarrie said: “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.
“We’ve been taking strategic steps to further meet the current and anticipated demand for nuclear power. These significant projects leverage BWXT’s extensive capabilities and specialised expertise in the delivery of large components for the domestic and global nuclear industry.”
Last week, the Ontario government approved OPG’s plan to proceed with the project definition phase of the Pickering nuclear generating station life extension project. This marks a critical step in the refurbishment of Pickering’s “B” units.
Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce said: “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.”
“I am so pleased to work with companies like BWXT that are investing in Ontario and in our workers, as we continue to cement Ontario’s position as a global leader in new nuclear technologies.”
As part of the preparations, OPG signed a C$2.1bn ($1.46bn) contract with CanAtom for early engineering and procurement related to the retube feeder and boiler replacement programme.
Aecon Group, which holds a 50% stake in the CanAtom JV, announced that its share of the early works contract is valued at approximately C$1.1bn ($760m).
The remaining portion, estimated at around C$1bn ($690m), will be added to its backlog in early 2025.
Currently in its early stages, the Pickering life extension programme will enable the “B” fleet of reactors to operate for an additional 30 years.
Comprising four operating CANDU reactors, the Pickering project will supply approximately 10% of Ontario’s electricity. Once refurbished, it is anticipated to produce over 2GW of electricity, enough to power two million households.
Meanwhile, the BWRX-300 SMR at the Darlington site is on track to become the first on-grid SMR within G7 nations. This 300MWe water-cooled reactor incorporates passive safety systems and builds on GE Hitachi’s US NRC-certified ESBWR design.
