OPG gets go-ahead to build first SMR in Canada

Thursday, 8 May 2025

It will be the first new nuclear build in Ontario in more than three decades and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) said it was set to be the first commercial grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR) in North America, with an in-service target date of 2030.

The GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR will be able to generate 300 MW, enough to power about 300,000 homes.

Nicolle Butcher, OPG’s President and CEO, said: "This is truly a historic moment. This made-in-Ontario project will support provincial companies, create jobs for Ontarians, and spur growth for our economy. OPG is proud to be leading this first-of-a-kind project. With the province’s robust nuclear supply chain and our successful track record on nuclear projects, particularly our Darlington Refurbishment, we are confident we will be able to deliver the first SMR unit for Ontario, on-time and on-budget."

The support from the provincial government for OPG's CAD20.9 billion (USD15 billion) budget for the Darlington New Nuclear Project came after OPG received a Licence to Construct in April from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Ontario's Ministry of Energy and Mines said its approval of OPG's plan would create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs and inject CAD500 million annually into the Ontario economy, with the construction, operation and maintenance of the four units set to add CAD38.5 billion to the country's GDP over 65 years. It said the provincial government and OPG have worked together to ensure that 80% of project spending goes to companies in Ontario.

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, said; "This is a historic day for Canada as we start construction on the first small modular reactor in the G7 ... 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."

The Independent Electricity System Operator for Ontario said that the Darlington New Nuclear Project was the "best option to meet growing demand in terms of costs and risks, when compared against non-emitting generation alternatives".

GE Vernova Hitachi SMR Canada's Lisa McBride said: "This is a proud moment for GE Vernova Hitachi and Ontario as we move from vision to reality with construction of the G7's first SMR, the BWRX-300. With dozens of Ontario-based suppliers contributing to this project, we’re not just building a reactor - we are generating thousands of good-paying jobs, driving investment into communities across the province, and reinforcing Ontario’s global leadership in clean energy technology. That leadership is already opening doors to international export opportunities for Ontario companies, helping position our province as a global hub for next-generation nuclear innovation. GE has been part of Canada’s nuclear story from the very beginning, and we're honoured to carry that legacy forward by delivering a made-in-Ontario solution that strengthens our economy and powers our future."

Article researched and written by WNN's Alex Hunt