Tuesday, April 15, 2025
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) approved Canada’s first-ever construction license for Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to build a grid-scale Small Modular Reactor for Unit One of the Darlington New Nuclear Project.
“This approval is a historic milestone for Ontario and Canada. The Darlington Small Modular Reactor (SMR) will be the first of its kind in the G7, helping to power our growing province with reliable, affordable, and emissions-free energy,” said , Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines.
“Ontario is realizing its potential as a stable democratic energy superpower, and I look forward to sharing next steps for this exciting project in the coming weeks.”
The (CNSC) announced the decision to issue a power reactor construction licence to OPG bto construct 1 General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor at its Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) site in Clarington, Ontario. The power reactor construction licence is valid until March 31, 2035. The licence includes 4 facility-specific licence conditions that, along with the standard licence conditions, will enable effective regulatory oversight of the licensed activities.
The Commission concluded that OPG is qualified to construct the reactor and will do so in a way that protects the health and safety of people and the environment. In making its decision, the Commission carefully considered all submissions and perspectives received during a 2-part public hearing held virtually on October 2, 2024, and in person in Ajax, Ontario on January 8 to 10, 13 and 14, 2025.
In June, 2024, the province announced the completion of the first phase of site preparation for the Darlington New Nuclear Project.
Ontario Power Generation has completed the early works for the project, with the site transitioned into the care of the project’s construction partner, Aecon, to allow for main site preparation to begin. This work includes excavation, the construction of shoring walls, as well as land clearance for three additional units.
Featured image: (Ontario Power Generation)
