Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has secured approval from the Government of Ontario in Canada to build the first small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington nuclear site.
The initiative is expected to help in meeting the province’s growing electricity demands, which are projected to increase by at least 75% by 2050. The first of the planned four SMRs will generate sufficient clean and reliable energy to power approximately 300,000 homes.
The construction of four SMRs at the Darlington site is anticipated to create up to 18,000 jobs in Canada and inject an average of $500m into Ontario’s economy annually. Over the next 65 years, these units are expected to contribute $38.5bn to Canada’s GDP. A substantial portion of the project’s expenditure, around 80%, will be directed towards Ontario-based companies, securing an estimated 3,700 skilled jobs.
The SMRs, utilising GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 technology, will each produce approximately 300MW of power. Collectively, the four reactors will generate 1,200MW, enough to supply energy to 1.2 million homes.
Overall, OPG will invest $20.9bn budget for the Darlington New Nuclear Project. This budget encompasses site preparation, engineering, and the construction of all four SMRs. The first SMR will cost around $6.1bn, along with an additional $1.6bn for shared systems and services.
Aecon Kiewit Nuclear Partners, a general partnership between Aecon and Kiewit Nuclear Canada, has secured an alliance construction contract from OPG for the project. Aecon’s share of the contract is valued at approximately $1.3bn.
OPG CEO and president Nicolle Butcher said: “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.
“As we saw through the refurbishment project, 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. All of this invaluable, irreplaceable experience will prepare us to take on the next large nuclear project.”
Site preparation for the first SMR began in December 2022, and by April 2025, OPG had obtained a Licence to Construct for Unit 1 from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
