OPG forging the path for nuclear’s next chapter with global partners
At a glance
- OPG continuing work at Darlington site to advance North America’s first commercial Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project.
- Expert team formed to help build 300 MW SMR; site preparation activities underway.
- Collaboration also continuing with partners to advance global deployment of next generation of clean nuclear power.
At OPG’s Darlington Nuclear site east of Toronto, work is continuing to prepare the foundation for North America’s first commercial Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
Like traditional nuclear reactors, SMRs produce clean, reliable, and safe power, but they are smaller, simpler, and faster to build. In the years ahead, this next generation of nuclear power will be key to supporting electrification and fighting climate change.
“We are continuing to make great progress in advancing our world-leading Darlington New Nuclear Project,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG’s President and CEO. “Our SMR at Darlington will be key to providing much-needed new, reliable electricity generation for Ontario’s future, and it will spearhead similar projects in Canada, the U.S., and Europe.”
In January, OPG announced the formation of an expert team to help build the 300-megawatt BWRX-300 SMR designed by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), which is capable of powering 300,000 homes.
Consisting of OPG, GEH, SNC-Lavalin, and Aecon, this team will leverage decades of experience in nuclear energy and large project experience to plan, construct, and deploy the SMR, pending regulatory approvals.
“Our SMR at Darlington will be key to providing much-needed new, reliable electricity generation for Ontario’s future, and it will spearhead similar projects in Canada, the U.S., and Europe.”Ken Hartwick, President and CEO, OPG
Through an integrated team approach, each company will play a specific role, with OPG maintaining overall responsibility for the project, GEH serving as the technology developer, SNC-Lavalin providing design, engineering and procurement support, and Aecon undertaking construction planning and execution.
Meanwhile, on the new nuclear lands, site preparation activities are underway to prepare for the construction of the SMR. This work consists of non-nuclear infrastructure activities, such as building roads, utilities, and support buildings.
In 2022, OPG applied to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for a Licence to Construct, the next step in the deployment of Darlington’s SMR. This licence is required before any nuclear construction work on the SMR at Darlington can begin.
The Licence to Construct process includes opportunities for Indigenous Nations and Communities and the public to discuss the application, ask questions, and raise areas of interest.
The CNSC has issued a public notice announcing public hearings to consider the Licence to Construct application, with the first hearing to be held during the week of Jan. 22, 2024. To learn more about the process, visit the CNSC’s webpage. During the spring and summer months, OPG representatives will be attending various community events within Durham Region to answer questions and inform the public on the project.
While work continues at Darlington, OPG is also collaborating with a number of jurisdictions, including across Canada, the United States, Europe, and specifically Poland, to work together to advance the global deployment of SMRs.
Recently, OPG joined GEH, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Poland-based Synthos Green Energy in Washington, D.C., to announce the formation of a technical collaboration agreement for the BWRX-300 SMR design.
The companies will invest in developing a standard design for the reactor, as well as detailed design for key components, including the reactor pressure vessel.
More information about SMRs and the Darlington New Nuclear Project can be found at opg.com/newnuclear.
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