OPG’s Darlington Small Modular Reactor project passes significant milestones

In another major milestone, OPG submitted a Licence to Construct application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) on October 31. The Licence to Construct is the next step in the regulatory process to build a new nuclear reactor and is required before any nuclear construction can begin. The licence application was developed collaboratively between OPG and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, designer of the BWRX-300 SMR.

This application process will include opportunities for Indigenous Nations and Communities, and the public to participate through public engagement activities such as information sessions, workshops, and public hearings. To learn more about the CNSC licensing process, public hearings, and participant funding program, visit the CNSC’s webpage.

Other developments have added momentum, including a landmark, low-interest loan of $970 million from the Canada Infrastructure Bank in October, which will help fund the site preparation underway, and newly announced federal clean energy initiatives that will help spur investment in SMRs.

“This project leverages OPG’s decades of experience in providing reliable, safe and affordable electricity as well as Ontario’s strong nuclear supply chain to develop the next generation of nuclear power,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG’s President and CEO. “The electricity produced by the SMR at Darlington will help ensure we meet Ontario’s growing energy needs, as electrification drives demand.”

Once completed, this project could pave the way for additional SMRs at the Darlington site, in Ontario, and around the world. Recently, OPG and Czech Republic-based ČEZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in the advancement and deployment of nuclear technology, including SMRs, to safely produce clean, reliable electricity.

The start of site preparation comes on the heels of a busy summer for the project that saw an important offshore, geotechnical study completed safely, on time and on budget. The study included drilling a series of boreholes east of the Darlington station to characterize the site for the future SMR.

To inform the local community about SMRs and the latest project milestones, OPG’s team has also been busy this year engaging with members of the public at various local events. These included the Bowmanville Ribfest, Oshawa Kars on King, and OPG’s Community Open House, where more than 2,400 people attended to learn more about the project and OPG’s operations.

To stay up to date on OPG’s upcoming community programming, visit opg.com/durham.

In the coming years, SMRs and nuclear power will continue to play a big role in OPG’s diverse generation mix and help the company and province meet net-zero targets and the demands of electrification.

All told, in Canada, nuclear energy helps avoid 80 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year, or the equivalent of removing 15 million cars from the road.

Once built, the 300 MW BWRX-300 SMR could power about 300,000 homes, create about 2,500 jobs over its 60-year lifespan, and increase GDP by $2.5 billion.