US-based Westinghouse Electric Company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Canada-based Eclipse Automation (part of Accenture) to support nuclear new-build projects in Canada and globally. Under the agreement, Eclipse has the potential to provide automation solutions for Westinghouse AP1000 and AP300 projects. The companies will also develop tooling for the refurbishment of operating NPPs.
Steve Mai, Eclipse Automation CEO and Managing Director of Accenture Industry X, noted: “For skilled professionals, increasing investment in nuclear energy opens the door to meaningful, long-term careers. At Eclipse Automation, our legacy of excellence across the nuclear lifecycle – including contributions to some of the industry’s most prominent projects – reflects our commitment to this future. By harnessing deep expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and digital innovation, we are excited to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions that will power the next generation of nuclear reactors that are needed in Canada and across the globe.”
John Gorman, President of Westinghouse Canada, said: “The advanced automation solutions provided by Eclipse Automation can help us streamline manufacturing and make operations more efficient and safer. In addition to delivering clean energy, these projects also will benefit the Canadian economy by providing local jobs and boosting economic growth.”
The announcement is the latest in a series of agreements with Canadian firms to support Westinghouse’s projects globally – its AP1000 reactor and AP300 and eVinci small reactors. Agreements were signed with the University of Saskatchewan (USask), McMaster University and Celeros Flow Technology (Celeros FT) in April; Shawflex and six Canadian suppliers in Saskatchewan in March; Aecon and BWXT Canada in December 2024; and shipbuilding firm Seaspan ULC in October.
However, all of Canada’s operating reactors are pressurised heavy water CANDU units – completely different from the Westinghouse pressurised water reactor technology. Currently Canada is investing heavily in promoting its CANDU technology. Canadian Minister of Energy & Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson recently announced that the Government had signed a preliminary agreement with AtkinsRéalis to support development and modernisation of a new large-scale CANDU nuclear reactor, such as the Monark design, with a loan of CAD304m ($212m) over four years to finance half of the design project. The work will also include Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), operators and the broader Canadian supply chain.
As for SMRs, the Ontario government is proceeding with the construction of the first of four GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) BWRX-300s at its Darlington site. GVH also plans to establish a Canadian BWRX-300 Engineering and Service Centre in Durham region near the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Darlington New Nuclear Project site.
