The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has authorized Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to proceed with the construction of a BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site in Clarington, Ontario.
The decision confirms that OPG is qualified to undertake the activities outlined in the construction licence. The CNSC also noted that OPG has established appropriate safety programs to protect the health and safety of workers, the public, and the environment. Furthermore, OPG will ensure compliance with national security measures and Canada’s international obligations.
The construction licence, which is valid until 31 March 2035, includes site-specific conditions and regulatory hold-points. These hold-points require OPG to submit additional information to the CNSC before continuing with certain phases of construction. However, the licence does not authorize reactor operations. Any future request to operate the reactor would be subject to a separate licensing process, the CNSC stated.
OPG applied for the site preparation licence in September 2006, with the environmental assessment process beginning in May 2007. The assessment was concluded in 2012, with the Government of Canada determining that the project would not cause significant adverse environmental effects.
In December 2021, OPG selected the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor for the site, and it formally applied for the construction licence in October 2022.
OPG has highlighted the approval as a major milestone, noting that it is now awaiting the Ontario government’s approval to move forward with the project.
Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, responded to the decision, calling it a “historic milestone” for both Ontario and Canada. The Darlington SMR project, if completed, could create up to 17,000 jobs during construction and contribute over CAD 15 billion (USD 10.5 billion) to Canada’s GDP. Lecce emphasized that the project would involve significant contributions from local Ontario and Canadian businesses.
In January, GE Hitachi announced it had contracted BWX Technologies to manufacture the reactor pressure vessel for the first SMR. Early site preparation work at the Darlington site has already been completed, with construction of the first unit anticipated to begin later this year, contingent on regulatory approval. Commercial operations for the reactor are expected to begin by the end of 2029.
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