New Small Modular Reactors Planned for Darlington Nuclear Plant

New small modular reactors are set to be added to the Darlington Nuclear Power Plant in Ontario as part of the federal government’s proposed “nation-building projects.” Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce these initiatives in Edmonton on Thursday. The plan includes the addition of four small modular reactors, which are designed to generate enough energy to power approximately 1.2 million homes.

The announcement is part of a broader strategy to enhance Canada’s infrastructure and energy capabilities. In addition to the Darlington reactors, the proposal features several other significant projects. These include the second phase of the LNG Canada facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, which aims to double the volume of liquefied natural gas it can export. The expansion of the Contrecoeur Terminal at the Port of Montreal, a new copper mine in Saskatchewan, and the expansion of the Red Chris copper and gold mine in northwestern B.C. are also on the list.

The regulatory process for the new reactors at Darlington began in 2006. After a lengthy approval period, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) selected the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor design in 2021. OPG received approval to construct one of the four reactors in April 2023. This aligns with the requirements of the Building Canada Act, which mandates that government approvals for such projects be issued within a two-year timeframe.

The proposed projects will be managed by a newly established major projects office, which aims to streamline the approval process and facilitate timely execution. The government intends for these initiatives to bolster Canada’s energy infrastructure and support economic growth across various sectors.

As the announcement approaches, the focus on small modular reactors reflects a growing trend in the energy sector towards innovative, cleaner technologies. These reactors are not only more compact than traditional designs but also promise enhanced safety and efficiency. The introduction of such technology at Darlington is poised to play a crucial role in Canada’s transition towards sustainable energy solutions.