Preparing for tomorrow’s energy needs: Darlington New Nuclear

OPG’s Darlington Nuclear station is already an important part of Ontario’s clean energy future – the station provides close to 20 per cent of Ontario’s electricity, and the Darlington Refurbishment Project will ensure this world-class generator continues to provide reliable power for decades to come.

OPG currently holds a Site Preparation Licence, granted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). To construct and operate a new reactor, further approvals, including additional CNSC licences, would be required. These licences must be obtained through an extensive regulatory process, which would include the opportunity for public input and a public hearing.

One of OPG’s current priorities is the successful renewal of the Site Preparation Licence, which was granted in 2012 and will expire in 2022. Our application will be considered by the CNSC at a public hearing in June 2021. OPG will continue Indigenous and public outreach and communications in support of the licence renewal hearing and other project information as it becomes available.

The CNSC invites public participation in the hearing and has made available participant funding. Visit the CNSC’s website for more information on how to participate.

SMRs have both a smaller footprint and smaller energy output than conventional reactors, like the CANDU units currently operating at both Darlington and Pickering Nuclear Generating Stations. But unlike traditional reactors, SMRs are modular in that they are often factory constructed, with the ability to add modules to meet changing energy needs.

OPG’s current fleet of CANDU reactors each generate between 500 and 900 megawatts (MW). SMRs are smaller, ranging in size from about 1 MW to about 300 MW.

CANDU reactors and SMRs both use fission to create heat which is used to generate electricity.

No decision on technology has been made yet; however, OPG has begun work aimed at identifying potential options. In October, OPG announced advancement of engineering and design work with three grid-scale SMR developers: GE Hitachi, Terrestrial Energy and X-energy.

Work with the three developers continues and will help inform OPG on potential options for future deployment. While OPG is now working with the three developers, a technology partner has not been selected. OPG continues to be open to potential opportunities, including from other developers, in particular if they offer a strong business case that can meet our considerations and requirements for a future project.

As no decisions have been made on the technology to be used, a precise estimate is not yet available. Any business case decision would be made with ratepayers in mind. The project would need to show benefit from an economic perspective, support the conclusions of the completed environmental assessment, and have the potential to be used by other Canadian jurisdictions, to achieve economies of scale and support the potential export market.

A study undertaken by the Conference Board of Canada shows strong economic benefit to Ontario from construction and 60 years of operation of a single unit in the province. According to the report, direct, indirect and spin-off related employment would result in an annual average of approximately: 700 jobs during project development; 1,600 jobs during manufacturing and construction; 200 jobs during operations; and 160 jobs during decommissioning. It would have a positive impact on direct, indirect and induced Gross Domestic Product of more than $2.5 billion and result in an increase of provincial revenues of more than $870 million.

For planning purposes, OPG envisions new nuclear capacity at Darlington as early as 2028, which will provide a new source of carbon free nuclear energy for Ontario’s future projected energy demand and support potential for deployment of SMRs to other Canadian jurisdictions interested in reducing fossil fuel use.

To meet this timeline, OPG is aiming to decide on an SMR technology by the end of 2021.

OPG has operated in Durham Region for more than 50 years, and in Clarington for more than 30 years. We have earned strong community support across Durham with our safe operations, and the multi-billion dollar refurbishment of the existing units at Darlington, a project currently tracking toward completion safely, on time, and on budget. Darlington is the only site in Canada with a licence for new nuclear build and with an approved EA.

We have both the operational know-how and the project management expertise for the new nuclear project. Beyond this, deployment of SMRs in Ontario would capitalize on the existing nuclear supply chain in this province, and could enable other provinces to transition from coal; provide alternative energy options to benefit carbon intensive industries; drive national job creation and innovation; facilitate deep, economically sustainable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to a zero emissions electrical grid in Canada.

It is possible an SMR could be operating as early as 2028.

No. On Dec. 1, 2019, the Provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting a framework for action on the deployment of SMRs in their respective jurisdictions. In August 2020, Alberta also signalled its intention to enter into the MOU.

Just like many other industries, nuclear technology continues to evolve and innovate. All SMR designs are evolutions of previous reactor technologies which have operated safely. These next-generation reactors have additional enhanced safety features based upon decades of world-wide reactor operating experience.

All technologies include advanced, passive safety attributes that make them even safer than the designs in operation today. Any SMR project will require licensing by the CNSC, which involves comprehensive review of the reactor design and assessment of the safety case to ensure protection for the public and environment.