Durham Region in southern Ontario is fast becoming Canada’s clean energy capital, thanks to its highly skilled talent pool, cutting-edge research, and a complete ecosystem of energy partners. As Ontario’s demand for electricity grows, Durham Region is positioning itself as a key player in the energy and EV supply chains.
Simon Gill, director at Invest Durham, says, “Not only is there clean energy generation today, but in Durham we are innovating energy generating technologies of the future.”
The region’s foothold in the energy sector and its history of automotive innovation presents a generational opportunity tied to the transition to electric vehicles. With no shortage of competition in the global market for EVs, batteries, power storage, and research and development, Durham Region has a complete ecosystem of partners to leverage across these sectors.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG), the largest energy generator in the province, is responsible for about half of Ontario’s total electricity supply. OPG’s headquarters is moving to Durham Region, and the region is home to several other OPG assets, including Darlington Nuclear Generating Station and the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, which together supply more than 35% of Ontario’s electricity. OPG is also working to complete the first grid-scale modular reactor in North America at their Darlington campus in Durham to meet Ontario’s rapidly growing demand for clean electricity to power EVs.
Durham Region is also home to several leading global companies in the clean energy space, such as ABB, Aecom, Siemens, SNC Lavalin, Hubbel, Alythia, and Tetra Tech, employing over 10,000 energy workers in the region. The region’s three post-secondary institutions, including Ontario Tech University, which has the only accredited nuclear engineering degree program in Canada, and Durham College’s power engineering and skilled trades programs, ensure a robust talent pipeline.
The confluence of factors presents a unique opportunity for investors to join the energy and EV supply chains in Durham Region. The demand placed on Ontario’s grid because of the electrification of transportation means the need for clean energy is only going to grow. With close industry collaboration between local schools and industry over many years, Durham Region offers a collegial atmosphere and expansion opportunities for innovative clean energy businesses. Dan Ruby, manager of business development and investment from Invest Durham, notes, “It’s a competitive advantage for the businesses here to be in proximity to OPG.”
Durham Region is excited to be at the forefront of Canada’s energy transition and to play a critical role in Ontario’s net-zero plans. “We are excited that Durham Region’s clean energy cluster, made up of innovators—from students to CEOs—have been pulling together to position Durham Region as a global leader in this space,” says Ruby.