Westinghouse Grows Canadian Supply Chain with Saskatchewan Partners
Westinghouse Electric Company has taken a significant step forward in expanding its presence in Canada’s nuclear sector by signing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with six Saskatchewan-based suppliers. These agreements aim to enhance the province’s role in the global nuclear supply chain and reinforce Canada’s position as a leader in nuclear technology and clean energy. The partnerships will focus on supporting the construction of advanced nuclear reactors both within Canada and worldwide, fostering economic growth, and strengthening local expertise in the industry.
Strengthening the Nuclear Supply Chain in Saskatchewan
The signing of these MoUs is a direct outcome of Westinghouse’s Saskatchewan Supplier Symposium, an event designed to connect local businesses with opportunities in the nuclear energy sector. The symposium provided a platform for potential suppliers to engage with Westinghouse and explore ways to contribute to new-build nuclear projects. Through these agreements, the six companies involved will have the opportunity to manufacture essential components for nuclear reactors, including electrical equipment and steel structures.
The six Saskatchewan-based companies that have joined forces with Westinghouse are:
- Team Power Solutions – Specializing in electrical equipment manufacturing, the company will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and safety of nuclear reactor systems.
- Industrial Machine & Mfg. Inc. – A key manufacturer of precision-engineered components for industrial applications, including nuclear reactor structures.
- JNE Welding – Bringing expertise in welding and metal fabrication, JNE Welding will contribute to the production of vital structural components for reactors.
- Northern Strands Group of Companies – Focused on providing lifting and rigging solutions, Northern Strands will assist in the secure handling and installation of nuclear reactor components.
- STC Industrial Group – With its broad capabilities in industrial manufacturing, STC will support the production of specialized steel structures for reactors.
- Venables Machine Works – A leader in custom machining and fabrication, Venables will provide critical components for Westinghouse’s nuclear projects.
These agreements mark an important milestone in Canada’s journey toward a cleaner energy future, leveraging the expertise and resources of Saskatchewan’s industrial sector to support advanced nuclear technology deployment.
A Strategic Collaboration for Canada’s Energy Future
Westinghouse is already making significant strides in Canada’s nuclear landscape, working in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) to establish the country’s first eVinci™ microreactor in the province. This initiative aligns with Canada’s long-term strategy to reduce carbon emissions and transition to more sustainable energy solutions.
“Partnering with suppliers in Saskatchewan is a key part of delivering new advanced nuclear to the nation as we’re currently collaborating with the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) to locate Canada’s first eVinci™ microreactor in the province,” said John Gorman, President of Westinghouse Canada. “Building on the deep expertise and resources of these local suppliers will help us deliver new AP1000® and AP300™ reactors to Canada and beyond.”
The AP1000® and AP300™ reactors are among the most advanced nuclear reactor designs available today. These reactors boast higher efficiency, enhanced safety features, and lower costs compared to previous generations of nuclear technology. By establishing a strong local supply chain, Westinghouse aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports nuclear innovation, job creation, and economic development in Canada.
Economic Benefits and Global Opportunities
Westinghouse’s collaboration with Saskatchewan-based suppliers is not just a win for the province—it also presents an opportunity for these companies to participate in global nuclear energy projects. As part of Westinghouse’s broader strategy, these suppliers will have the potential to contribute to international projects, positioning Canada as a key player in the global nuclear market.
Dan Lipman, President of Westinghouse Energy Systems, emphasized the economic advantages of these partnerships: “Our partnerships with local suppliers in Saskatchewan will not only help us develop and deploy advanced nuclear technologies in Canada, but they also provide these suppliers with access to export opportunities through global Westinghouse projects. For each AP1000 unit we build around the world, Westinghouse could generate almost $1 billion of Canadian dollars in GDP through local suppliers.”
This economic impact extends beyond individual reactor projects. As Westinghouse continues to expand its presence in Canada, the company’s investments are expected to stimulate significant economic activity, creating thousands of high-quality jobs and strengthening the nation’s nuclear manufacturing sector.
The Role of Brookfield and Cameco in Supporting Nuclear Expansion
Westinghouse is jointly owned by Brookfield and Cameco, two of Canada’s most influential energy companies. Their backing provides a strong foundation for advancing nuclear projects both domestically and internationally. The company is currently the only nuclear vendor with an advanced, proven, and fully operational Generation III+ reactor technology that is ready to be deployed in Canada. With the right regulatory approvals and infrastructure development, Westinghouse aims to have its reactors generating electricity in Canada by as early as 2035.
A four-unit AP1000 nuclear power facility in Canada has the potential to power at least three million homes while contributing $28.7 billion CAD in GDP during construction. Furthermore, once operational, such a facility could generate $8.1 billion CAD in GDP annually. This level of investment and economic output demonstrates the substantial benefits of nuclear energy development for Canada’s economy and energy security.
Beyond the economic impact, the development of nuclear energy aligns with Canada’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net-zero carbon targets. Nuclear power is a reliable and low-carbon energy source that can provide consistent electricity generation, complementing renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Advancing Clean Energy Through Nuclear Innovation
As Canada transitions toward a more sustainable energy future, nuclear power is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring energy stability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The AP1000 and AP300 reactors represent cutting-edge advancements in nuclear technology, offering increased efficiency, enhanced safety, and lower operating costs compared to traditional nuclear power plants.
The AP1000 reactor, which is already operational in several locations worldwide, features passive safety systems that allow it to safely shut down without operator intervention in case of an emergency. This makes it one of the safest and most advanced nuclear reactors currently available. The AP300 reactor, a smaller-scale version of the AP1000, is designed to provide flexible and cost-effective nuclear power solutions suitable for a wide range of energy needs.
Westinghouse’s commitment to innovation is evident in its development of the eVinci microreactor, a groundbreaking small nuclear reactor designed for remote and off-grid applications. This technology could revolutionize energy access in remote communities, industrial sites, and military installations, providing a reliable and sustainable energy source where traditional power infrastructure is not feasible.
