Canada Nuclear Power Expansion
Canada is embarking on an ambitious nuclear power generation expansion strategy, with plans to add up to 10 gigawatts electric (GWe) of capacity at the Wesleyville site in Ontario. This strategic initiative builds upon recent announcements of new Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), large reactor projects, and ongoing refurbishment efforts. The comprehensive approach aims to address medium- and long-term energy demands while supporting Canada’s critical goal of achieving zero-emissions by 2050.
As detailed in the press release issued on January 15, 2025, the Ontario provincial government directed Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to investigate new nuclear energy generation opportunities near the town of Wesleyville in southern Ontario. This decision follows promising expressions of interest from the Municipality of Port Hope and the Williams Treaties First Nations (WTFNs). Preliminary assessments by OPG suggest the site could accommodate up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear generation, potentially providing electricity for approximately 10 million homes—a substantial contribution to the province’s energy infrastructure.
The Wesleyville initiative is part of a broader nuclear expansion strategy in Ontario. In 2024, the provincial government allocated CAD 1.5 billion in initial funding for OPG’s Pickering Nuclear Power Station refurbishment. This followed the 2023 announcement supporting Bruce Power’s plans to add 4.8 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity through the Bruce C Project. Canada’s existing nuclear fleet of 19 large reactors currently generates over 15% of the country’s electricity. With multiple reactors undergoing or preparing for refurbishment, combined with projected significant increases in electricity demand and the national commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, the nuclear sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and strategic development.
Canada has also developed a comprehensive Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Roadmap Strategy, with active construction of four SMR units at OPG’s Darlington site for baseload power generation. The first SMR is anticipated to receive an operational license by 2028, with all four reactors expected to be gradually completed by the mid-2030s. Additionally, two advanced Generation 4 test and demonstration SMRs are progressing through regulatory approvals, with preparations for on-grid and off-grid operations. A Micro Modular Reactor is also being considered for potential deployment in remote locations to replace diesel powered electricity generation.
Provincial collaboration has been pivotal in this nuclear expansion. Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have all signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to develop individual SMR projects in the coming years. The federal government actively supports these nuclear power development initiatives, recognizing them as a crucial component of national decarbonization efforts and zero-emission targets. As such, the long-term outlook for Canada’s civil nuclear market is robust, with potential business opportunities exceeding CAD 150 billion by 2050. These opportunities span large and small reactor units, with technology developers expected to source approximately 60 percent of reactor parts and components from specialized approved sub-suppliers. The remaining project components will encompass diverse opportunities in electricity generation, transportation, thermal energy utilization, and energy storage systems.
The U.S. Commercial Service Canada is closely monitoring these nuclear power development efforts. And in this regard, we provide advocacy support and facilitate business-to-business connections for U.S. companies interested in the Canadian nuclear power builds and SMR program supply chains and related opportunities.
For more information contact Stefan Popescu, Senior International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto: Stefan.Popescu@trade.gov