Ontario’s World-Class Nuclear Supply Chain Building Canada’s First Microreactor Project
October 9, 2026
BWXT Canada selected to build and deploy BANR reactor technology for New Brunswick pilot project, creating nearly 200 good-paying jobs
Ontario is leveraging its world-class nuclear expertise to strengthen made-in-Canada energy supply chains, support skilled jobs across the country and create new opportunities for Canada’s nuclear industry. On October 5, 2026, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, and René Legacy, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Treasury Board and Energy for New Brunswick, announced that Ontario-based BWXT Canada has been selected to fabricate and deploy Canada’s first Transportable Nuclear Power Plant (TNPP) using the BWXT Advanced Nuclear Reactor (BANR) technology for the Indigenous-led 50-megawatt (MW) pilot project in Belledune, New Brunswick.
Building on Ontario’s 60-year nuclear legacy, the TNPP project will deliver reliable, clean baseload power for up to 40,000 homes, create more than 150 jobs during development and support approximately 40 long-term positions once operational. This project highlights Ontario’s world-class nuclear sector, as it works to strengthen made-in-Canada nuclear capabilities and creates technological advancements to support Canada’s energy future.
“Ontario is a world leader in nuclear technology, from building the G7’s first grid-scale small modular reactor to delivering major nuclear refurbishment projects ahead of schedule and under budget,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “We’re building on that legacy and proud to announce that Ontario’s nuclear supply chain is being harnessed to build Canada and the G7’s first commercial Transportable Nuclear Power Plant. This is the future of reliable, clean energy for remote and northern communities – including mines – connecting them to reliable baseload power virtually anywhere. Ontario’s nuclear expansion plan will create 150,000 jobs, securing our position as a global leader in the development of next generation nuclear technology.”
Developed by Prodigy Clean Energy, the TNPP represents an innovative new approach to deploying nuclear energy in Canada. Unlike traditional nuclear facilities, these plants are designed to be built off site and transported to where power is needed. By integrating small modular reactors and microreactors into transportable power plants, this technology has the potential to bring reliable, clean nuclear energy to a wider range of locations, including remote and northern communities, Indigenous communities and industrial and grid-connected sites. This innovative technology has potential to help overcome infrastructure challenges of delivering reliable power to remote locations while expanding access to clean, reliable energy across Canada.
“By launching the first Indigenous-led nuclear project in Canada and building the supply chain in New Brunswick, we are showcasing the strength and leadership of the province, First Nations, and our nuclear-trained workforce,” said René Legacy, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Treasury Board and Energy. “I am encouraged by potential for this innovative project to drive significant economic growth in the region and provide clean energy for communities across New Brunswick, throughout Canada, and around the world. Northern New Brunswick has a rich industrial history, and the quality of work has always been first class. Our workers are ready to contribute – to help make this deployment a success.”
Under an agreement with Pabineau First Nation and Eel River Bar First Nation, this Indigenous-led TNPP pilot project will establish a First Nations-owned commercial power generation facility and energy innovation campus in Belledune, New Brunswick. The project will include a centralized hub for operations, maintenance and workforce training to support a future fleet of TNPPs serving northern and remote communities, as well as a state-of-the-art Indigenous Energy Innovation Visitor Centre.
Ontario will continue building on its decades of nuclear expertise and investing in new technologies to help secure reliable, affordable power needed to support new homes, attract investment and drive economic growth. As part of the province’s first-ever integrated energy plan, Energy for Generations, the government is making record investments in nuclear energy to strengthen Canada’s energy sovereignty, protect local jobs and build a more self-reliant economy in the face of U.S. tariffs.
From refurbishing the Darlington and Pickering nuclear generating stations to building the G7’s first grid-scale small modular reactor, this historic nuclear buildout is expected to create 150,000 new jobs and contribute $800 billion into Canada’s economy. Ontario’s nuclear sector already supports 80,000 jobs across more than 200 companies, with more than 90 per cent of nuclear project costs staying in Canada to support domestic workers, manufacturers and suppliers.
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) forecasts that the province’s electricity demand could increase by as much as 90 per cent by 2050, due to population growth, new housing, electrification, advanced manufacturing, and expansion of critical minerals supply chains.
- Nuclear power currently provides about 50 per cent of Ontario’s electricity supply and has positioned Ontario as one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world.
Quotes
“The BWXT team is designing BANR to meet a variety of real-world heat and electricity demands that currently cannot be met without the use of carbon-emitting sources with complex fuel logistics. By joining forces with Prodigy and integrating BANR with Prodigy’s transportable platform design, we are truly expanding BWXT’s horizons for future customers while reinforcing Canada’s role at the forefront of innovative, deployable advanced nuclear energy solutions.”
– John MacQuarrie
President of Commercial Operations, BWXT
“BWXT’s BANR is a best-in-class advanced nuclear technology with a credible pathway to delivering the G7’s first commercially operating Transportable Nuclear Power Plant. This Canadian pilot will serve as the reference to deploy a BANR-TNPP fleet across Northern, industrial and global energy markets.”
– Mathias Trojer
President and CEO, Prodigy Clean Energy
“We are supporting this Canadian-led program with the engineering depth, regulatory insight and proven delivery experience needed to advance Prodigy’s TNPPs to commercial implementation. We bring scale and trust to the project’s supply chain, combining decades of Canadian nuclear expertise with strong manufacturing capabilities, qualified facilities and skilled people with a demonstrated track record.”
– John D’Angelo
President and CEO, Kinectrics
Related Story
Government of Canada Launches Nuclear Energy Strategy
Canada is at a pivotal moment, and as demand for reliable and clean energy skyrockets, the Government of Canada is focused on how we can best protect affordability for Canadians, build our economic strength, secure energy sovereignty and transition to net zero by 2050. Canada starts from a position of strength: we have an 80 percent clean grid and some of the lowest electricity costs in the G7. But to supply, control and build our electricity grid to meet growing demand, we are acting to unlock our full potential as an energy superpower — including strengthening our world-class nuclear sector, where Canada has led the world for decades.
