The Ontario government this month approved Ontario Power Generation’s plan to begin construction on the first of four small modular reactors at the Darlington nuclear site.
Once complete, this reactor will be the first of its kind in the G7, producing enough electricity to power 300,000 homes, according to a statement from the provincial government. All four units will produce a combined 1,200 megawatts of electricity.
“Once complete, this SMR will be the first of its kind in the G7, delivering clean reliable and affordable electricity to homes and businesses,” stated Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham.
The construction of the units will create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs and address forecasts that electricity demand in Ontario will rise 75% by 2050.
Including operation and maintenance, the four units will add a total of $38 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next 65 years, it is estimated.
“This nation-building project being built right here in Ontario will be led by Canadian workers using Canadian steel, concrete and materials to help deliver the extraordinary amount of reliable and clean power we will need to deliver on our ambitious plan to protect Ontario and unleash our economy,” stated Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
Ontario Power Generation is partnering with several dozen regional companies to help deliver the project.
“As the first mover on SMRs, this made-in-Ontario project will create jobs for the province’s workers, contracts for Ontario’s booming supply chain, and showcase our capabilities and expertise to the world to further grow our domestic industry while strengthening Canada’s energy security,” commented Nicolle Butcher, Chief Executive Officer of OPG.
“Building a fleet of SMRs with the support of Ontario’s strong nuclear supply chain will provide further opportunities to learn, identify efficiencies, and expand the supply chain,” Butcher continued, adding “All of this invaluable, irreplaceable experience will prepare us to take on the next large nuclear project.”
The move is a “major step forward for Canada’s clean energy future,” according to George Christidis, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Nuclear Association.
“The start of construction on the first grid-scale small modular reactor in the G7 is a clear signal that Ontario is serious about decarbonization, energy security, economic growth, and international opportunities,” he said.