The federal body Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has approved the construction licence for a BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) for Ontario Power Generation (OPG) at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site, located in Clarington, Ontario. The announcement was made on 4 April, following a regulatory process that began nearly two decades ago.
This decision confirms that the company is considered qualified to carry out the works covered under the licence, which remains valid until 31 March 2035. The CNSC also stated that the project meets requirements concerning health, safety, environmental protection, national security, and Canada’s international commitments. The licence includes several regulatory hold points, requiring OPG to submit additional information at critical stages of the construction process.
A regulatory process initiated in 2006
Ontario Power Generation initially submitted a site preparation application in September 2006. The environmental assessment conducted by the CNSC began in May 2007 and was completed in 2012, with a federal government determination that the project was unlikely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
In December 2021, OPG announced its selection of the BWRX-300 model, developed by GE Hitachi, for the Darlington site. The formal construction licence application was submitted in October 2022. The regulator’s approval currently covers only the construction phase; the operational licence will be subject to a separate procedure.
Expected economic impact and projected timeline
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Ontario Power Generation described the licence approval as a major milestone, adding that it is now awaiting the final authorisation from the Ontario government to proceed. According to estimates provided by Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, the project could create up to 17,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide and contribute over CAD15 billion (USD10.5 billion) to the national gross domestic product.
A contract has already been awarded to BWX Technologies to manufacture the reactor pressure vessel, according to a January announcement by GE Hitachi. Preparatory work on the site has been completed, and construction of the first reactor is scheduled to begin by the end of 2025, pending final approvals. Commercial operations of the pilot unit are expected to commence before the end of 2029.
