Ontario has become the first G7 jurisdiction to begin construction on a small modular reactor, marking a major milestone in its strategy to secure long-term clean energy and economic growth.
The province has approved Ontario Power Generation’s plan to build the first of four SMRs at the Darlington Nuclear site, with the initial reactor expected to power the equivalent of 300,000 homes with clean, reliable electricity.
The development is central to Ontario’s energy future, with demand forecasted to grow by at least 75 per cent by 2050. Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, says the grid needs to be ready for what’s coming.
This project is the first of four. Once all four reactors are complete, they will produce 1,200 megawatts—enough to power 1.2 million homes—helping fill a projected power gap as early as the 2030s. The government says the project will support up to 18,000 jobs and inject $500 million annually into Ontario’s economy.
Eighty per cent of the project’s spending will stay in-province, with 3,700 long-term skilled positions expected to be maintained across the supply chain for the next 65 years. Ontario Power Generation has awarded more than $500-million in contracts with more than 80 Ontario companies lending their expertise to help build the Darlington New Nuclear Project.
Locally, Sean Hinchburger Inc. is named as part of the supply chain in Cobourg.
The BWRX-300 reactors use commercially available uranium. The Ontario government says the Independent Electricity System Operator concluded that the Darlington New Nuclear Project is the best option to meet growing demand in terms of costs and risks.
Lecce says the Darlington and Port Hope area will be at the forefront of global nuclear innovation.
He says Ontario is leading where others are not.
Ontario is also working with provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick to expand SMR development, and Lecce says they’re investing in training to ensure a workforce ready to sustain the growing nuclear sector.
The SMR project is part of Ontario’s broader “Affordable Energy Future” strategy, supporting the province’s economy while building a more secure and sustainable energy system.
(Written by: Noah Lorusso with files from Joseph Goden)