The Ontario government has approved Ontario Power Generation‘s plan to begin construction on the first small modular reactor at the Darlington nuclear site, marking a significant milestone for nuclear energy development within the G7 nations.
The project will see four SMRs built at the Darlington site, with the first unit expected to generate 1,200 megawatts of electricity upon completion — enough to power approximately 1.2 million homes. Officials anticipate the construction will create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs and inject $500 million annually into Ontario’s economy.
“This is a historic day for Canada as we start construction on the first small modular reactor in the G7,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. The government projects the four-unit facility will add $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next 65 years.
The BWRX-300, a small-scale nuclear reactor using commercially available uranium, will form the cornerstone of the project. Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator concluded the Darlington New Nuclear Project represents the most cost-effective option to meet growing electricity demand compared to non-emitting alternatives.
According to project details, the first SMR will cost approximately $6.1 billion, with costs for subsequent units expected to decline as efficiencies improve. OPG received a License to Construct for the first unit from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in April 2023.
The government has emphasized collaboration with Williams Treaties First Nations communities, exploring potential equity partnerships that would mark a first-of-its-kind arrangement for nuclear energy generation in Canada.
OPG CEO Nicolle Butcher noted that the project would create jobs for Ontario workers while showcasing the province’s capabilities in nuclear technology development. “Building a fleet of SMRs with the support of Ontario’s strong nuclear supply chain will provide further opportunities to learn, identify efficiencies, and expand the supply chain,” Butcher said.
The government is supporting OPG’s $20.9 billion budget for the Darlington New Nuclear Project, which covers site preparation, engineering, design, and construction of all four modular reactors.
The initiative forms part of Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future, a government vision to address projected electricity demand increases of at least 75% by 2050 while maintaining the province’s position as a global leader in nuclear technology.
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