Ontario begins construction of 1st small reactor as it aims to lead in new nuclear technology
Associated Press1 day
Ontario Launches First G7 Mini Nuclear Reactor in $21 Billion Project
Above: People pass the Ontario Power Generation Office Building in Toronto, Ontario on March 8, 2025. Image copyright: Zou Zheng/Contributor/Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The SMR project represents a crucial step forward in securing Ontario's energy independence and economic future. The technology offers a reliable, clean power solution that can be deployed faster and more efficiently than traditional nuclear plants, while creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and establishing Ontario as a global leader in nuclear innovation.
Narrative B
This project's reliance on a U.S.-based firm, GE Hitachi technology, poses significant risks during ongoing trade tensions, particularly the dependence on enriched uranium fuel from American sources. The massive investment could be better directed toward renewable energy alternatives that don't create long-term nuclear waste management challenges or foreign technology dependencies.