Ontario Power Generation partners with Stellarex to advance fusion energy in Ont.

Stellarex Chairman Richard Carty (left) and Senior OPG representative Jason Van Wart (right), with Ontario Minister Todd Smith (standing). (CNW Group/Ontario Power Generation Inc.)

AIX-EN-PROVENCE — Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Stellarex have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the development and deployment of fusion energy in Ontario.

Through this MOU, OPG and Stellarex will explore establishing a centre of excellence for fusion energy in Ontario and will work together to identify potential future siting and deployment of a stellarator fusion energy device in the province.

Ontario minister Todd Smith joined representatives from OPG and Stellarex in France to tour the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a collaboration of 33 nations building a device to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale, carbon-free source of energy.

“The world is watching Ontario as we build the next generation of reliable, affordable and clean nuclear power, including the first Small Modular Reactor in the G7,” said Smith. “And now Ontario’s nuclear advantage – including our well-established supply chain and experienced operators – is making Ontario the place to be when it comes to the growing fusion-related industry, creating another opportunity for more good-paying jobs in our communities.”

Stellarex has established supply-chain and fusion ecosystem relationships in Ontario and in the Canadian nuclear sector, and has MOUs with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Chalk River, Hatch, and Kinectrics, along with a number of Ontario’s academic institutions including the University of Toronto, Queen’s, McMaster, and Ontario Tech universities.

“Stellarex is delighted to be working with Ontario Power Generation, in the pursuit and rapid realization of commercial fusion energy deployment by way of the stellarator design,” said Richard Carty, chairman of Stellarex. “Ontario has unique global competitive advantages which we will harness, and Stellarex is proud to be working with the province to further this landmark industrial strategy for economic development.”