Ontario Power Generation
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why did OPG select the Darlington site for potential new build?
Location of the new facility on the site is beneficial as the site already has been developed for nuclear facility operations. Considerable information on the site has already been developed and submitted to the CNSC with respect to the operation of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, and with respect to the environmental assessment and licensing of the Darlington Used Fuel Dry Storage Facility.
Further, we believe Darlington is best suited for new nuclear development because there is room to build on the site and the site is adjacent to a major transmission corridor. The host community of Clarington and the Region of Durham are supportive. In addition, we have a highly skilled workforce with many years of experience in operating nuclear units.
What can you tell us about a new plant?
It is too early to determine what technology might be chosen. The size of the station isn’t yet known.
Does this mean the province has decided to build a new nuclear power plant at Darlington?
No decision has been made on whether or where new nuclear power plants will be built. The site application is the first step in the approvals process.
Is an environmental assessment (EA) a prerequisite for the licensing of a new nuclear power plant?
Yes. The CNSC has stated that the completion of an environmental assessment is required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act prior to the granting of any licence to build a new nuclear power plant. The EA must demonstrate that there are no significant adverse environmental effects, after mitigation measures have been taken into consideration before site preparation and/or construction licences can be granted and work started on a new nuclear power plant.
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