The successful installation of the first major component at Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington site marks a critical step for the nuclear industry, offering tangible proof that the long-promised benefits of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can be realized. This development in the G7's first commercial grid-scale SMR project may boost investor confidence in a sector historically troubled by cost overruns and delays.
The U.S. Department of Energy lists lower capital investment and greater siting flexibility as key advantages of SMRs, which are designed to be built in factories and assembled on-site. The successful 700-tonne basemat installation at Darlington, the first of four, supports the thesis that this modular approach can significantly shorten construction timelines and de-risk projects, a crucial factor for investors.
The Darlington project utilizes a BWRX-300 reactor developed by GE Vernova Hitachi, which is poised to become the first commercially operating SMR in North America. A similar project in Canada is expected to begin commercial operation by the end of 2030, while the Tennessee Valley Authority is targeting the early 2030s for its first BWRX-300, supported by a $400 million grant from the Department of Energy. Globally, China’s Linglong One, the world's first commercial SMR, is scheduled to begin operations this year.
This construction milestone is a bullish signal for the entire SMR supply chain. Companies like GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV), which provides the reactor technology, and BWX Technologies (NYSE: BWXT), which manufactures key components like the reactor pressure vessel, are central to this emerging industry. GE Vernova reported revenue of $38.1 billion in 2025, while BWX Technologies, a key supplier for U.S. government naval reactors, secured an eight-year, $2.6 billion contract, showing its established role in the nuclear sector. The progress at Darlington could lead to a positive re-evaluation of these and other companies positioned to benefit from the nuclear renaissance.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
