New Small Modular Reactors Planned for Darlington Nuclear Site

New small modular reactors are set to be integrated into Ontario’s Darlington nuclear power plant as part of the Canadian federal government’s newly proposed “nation-building projects.” This initiative, announced today, aims to enhance energy capacity and sustainability across the nation.

The proposal includes plans to install four small modular reactors at the Darlington site, which have the capacity to power approximately 1.2 million homes. These reactors will be smaller than the current units in operation, reflecting a growing trend towards more compact and efficient nuclear technology. Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to elaborate on the details of these projects during an announcement scheduled for Thursday in Edmonton.

In addition to the Darlington reactors, the federal proposal encompasses several significant infrastructure projects. Among these is the second phase of the LNG Canada facility located in Kitimat, British Columbia, which aims to double the amount of liquefied natural gas exported from the region. Other notable projects include the expansion of the Contrecoeur Terminal at the Port of Montreal, as well as the development of a new copper mine in Saskatchewan and the expansion of the existing Red Chris copper and gold mine in northwestern B.C.

The regulatory journey for new reactors at Darlington began in 2006 when Ontario Power Generation (OPG) initiated the process. After six years, it received the necessary approvals, eventually selecting the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor design in 2021. In April 2023, OPG secured approval to construct one of the four proposed reactors, marking a significant milestone in Canada’s nuclear energy landscape.

The Building Canada Act governs the selection of these “nation-building projects,” mandating that the government must issue approvals within a two-year timeframe. To oversee these large-scale initiatives, the government has established a new major projects office, announced last week.

The inclusion of these projects indicates the Canadian government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. As the nation seeks to transition towards cleaner energy sources, the development of small modular reactors represents a forward-thinking approach to meeting future energy demands while reducing carbon emissions.