Ontario is a global leader in nuclear power, driving innovation in clean energy solutions that are both scalable and reliable. That energy was palpable at our latest Climate Tech Breakfast Series event: Can Nuclear Technology Superpower Ontario’s Cleantech Economy? Over the next 25 years, Ontario will need to more than double its power grid capacity. But, as our President and CEO, Giles Gherson, pointed out, “This isn’t just a challenge—it’s a tremendous opportunity to lead the global green energy revolution.”
The province’s energy future is being shaped by rapid industrial expansion, with new investments from Volkswagen, Stellantis, Honda, GM, and others set to increase industrial demand for clean energy by up to 21%. Meanwhile, Metrolinx is spearheading one of the world’s most ambitious transit electrification programs, further driving the need for clean, reliable energy.
The urgency is clear: peak winter demand is expected to triple. Ontario is exploring ways to balance these immediate needs with long-term goals. That’s why we gathered the region’s brightest minds to unpack the province’s role—not just in meeting these demands but in shaping global energy policies, with nuclear power leading the way.
Ontario is a world leader in the nuclear sector, thanks to its ability to execute on-time and on-budget projects that are driving the province’s clean energy future. Pat Dalzell, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Bruce Power, added some levity to the event, using a term his teen taught him— “Rizz”—to describe the province’s nuclear sector. “The world is watching us. We’re setting an example by completing major projects, like the refurbishments at Darlington, and leading in the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).”
This efficiency applies to all partners in the sector, from engineering firms to energy operators. Aaron Johnson, Senior Vice President of Nuclear at Aecon says, “Ontario’s strength lies in its ability to deliver complex projects efficiently. The collaboration across industries and with local communities ensures that we meet our energy goals while setting new standards for innovation.”
Johnson was part of a panel that included Jason Cameron, Vice-President of Indigenous and Stakeholder Affairs at Atomic Energy of Canada, and Jeff Parnell, President of the Power Workers’ Union. Together, they discussed how the integration of Indigenous partnerships, skilled labor, and innovative engineering is shaping the future of Ontario’s nuclear sector. The panel underscored the critical role of collaboration in ensuring Ontario continues to lead in both large-scale refurbishments and SMR deployments.
As Pat Dalzell of Bruce Power noted, countries around the world are paying attention to Ontario’s model, and much of that is due to our leadership with CANDU reactors. CANDU technology is unique in that it doesn’t require enriched uranium, making it a safer, more accessible option for countries in search of reliable clean energy. Combined with our advancements in SMRs, Ontario’s strong domestic supply chain and forward-thinking trade policies position the province as a global leader in nuclear innovation. This allows us to deliver both energy security and economic growth, setting the standard for others to follow.
Lisa McBride, Country Leader for SMRs at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy says, “The world is eager to collaborate with Ontario. We’re exporting not just energy but also expertise, and the ripple effect of our success is being felt globally. Ontario’s advancements in Small Modular Reactors are setting the standard for countries seeking reliable, low-emission power solutions.”
Her fellow panelists, including David Dal Bello, Managing Director at RBC, and Nicolle Butcher, Chief Operating Officer at Ontario Power Generation, echoed the sentiment that Ontario’s nuclear sector is leading the charge in SMRs. Butcher added, “What sets Ontario apart is our ability to innovate while maintaining strong partnerships across sectors. We’re building a clean energy blueprint that other regions are watching closely.”
As Ontario moves forward with ambitious nuclear builds, the strong backing of the provincial and federal governments is key to ensuring success. Both Minister Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, and Minister Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, strongly endorsed Ontario’s nuclear future.
Minister Lecce offered a ‘full-throated’ endorsement for the nuclear industry, “Nuclear is the backbone of our energy ecosystem. It keeps our grid reliable and emissions low, and the investments we’re making now will ensure Ontario remains a leader in clean, affordable energy.”
Minister Mary Ng pointed to the international reach of our expertise, "Canada's nuclear sector is recognized globally for its innovation. We’re not just keeping the lights on in Ontario—we are helping countries transition to cleaner energy by exporting our knowledge, technology, and workforce. Our agreements with partners in Poland and South Korea are just the beginning.”
In addition to the engaging panels and keynote speeches, several other contributors played pivotal roles in making our event a success. Julianne den Decker, Senior Vice President of the CANDU Technical Professional Organization, delivered an exciting update on the CANDU MONARK Reactor, showcasing Ontario’s advancements in nuclear technology and its potential impact on the global energy landscape.
And, to broaden the international perspective, Toronto Region Board of Trade’s former President and CEO, Jan De Silva, who also is the Canada Co-Chair of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council and Canada’s Representative to the APEC Business Advisory Council, moderated a panel of ASEAN ambassadors. This session featured Dyah Asmarani, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia, and Angelica Escalona, Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines, who shared their insights on the global energy transition and how Ontario’s leadership in nuclear energy is influencing international collaborations.
As the final installment of our Climate Tech Breakfast Series, this event underscored Ontario’s growing leadership in nuclear energy. With strong participation from industry leaders, government officials, and international stakeholders, it’s clear that Ontario is at the forefront of the global clean energy conversation.
We look forward to continuing these discussions in 2025 and beyond as Ontario leads the way toward a sustainable, zero-emission future for the province and the world.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible.
