Site preparation is underway for Canada’s first grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR) at Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington nuclear site, with officials recently attending a ground-breaking ceremony. “With global businesses looking to expand in jurisdictions with clean and cost-effective electricity, small modular reactors will help compete for and attract more game-changing investments in Ontario’s economy,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “Our government is getting it done and building the future of nuclear energy right here in Ontario to support the needs of our growing province.”

In March of 2022, Niagara-based ES Fox was awarded the contract to deliver early site preparation work, including water supply, electrical power, information technology and road services. This work, valued at CAD32 million ($23.5m), will support over 100 new jobs in the Durham region. This stage will utilise funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Officials are currently expecting construction to be complete by 2028, and for the plant to be operational by 2029. GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy will be OPG’s technology development partner on deploying the project.

“The Darlington SMR, part of our larger plan to ensure a reliable, affordable and clean electricity system, will ensure that we have the electricity we need to support our success in driving electrification and attracting new jobs to the province including unprecedented investments, from electric vehicles and battery manufacturing to clean steelmaking,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy.

Canada’s first grid-scale SMR at Darlington is part of the Ontario government’s larger plan to meet emerging energy needs and ensure a reliable, affordable and clean electricity supply including:

  • Procuring 4,000 MW of new electricity generation and storage resources, which includes the largest procurement of clean energy storage in Canada’s history.
  • Rolling out $342 million in new and enhanced energy efficiency programs while helping families and businesses reduce their electricity use so they can save money on their energy bills.
  • Supporting OPG’s continued safe operation of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and tasking OPG to update their refurbishment feasibility assessment for the station.
  • Directing the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to recontract clean generation at existing forest biomass and hydroelectric facilities.
  • Conducting a successful Medium-Term Request for Proposals to recontract existing electricity generation resources at a 30% discount, keeping costs down for ratepayers.

Ontario currently has 15 nuclear reactors in operation – and three reactors under refurbishment – at three sites, providing over 50% of the province’s clean electricity. The Darlington SMR will be the first new reactor in the province since 1993.

"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. The electricity produced by the SMR at Darlington will help ensure we meet Ontario’s growing energy needs, as electrification drives demand," said Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO.

Image: Ceremony to mark the start of site preparations for the SMR at the Darlington nuclear site (courtesy of Durham Radio News)