(ed: There are very big risks (cost and schedule) with first-of-a-kind commercial reactor development. We are third into this race behind China and Russia. The news release is silent on the risks but Canada can expect big cost shocks in the 2030s.)
🇨🇦 Canada's SMR Development: The Darlington New Nuclear Project
🔧 What Are SMRs?
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are compact nuclear reactors designed to produce up to 300 MW of electricity—about one-third the output of traditional reactors.
• They feature modular construction, allowing components to be built off-site and assembled on location, which can reduce costs and construction time.
🏗️ The Darlington SMR Project
• Location: Adjacent to the existing Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in Clarington, Ontario.
• Technology: GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 design, a water-cooled reactor with passive safety systems.
• Scale: Four SMRs planned, each producing 300 MW, totaling 1,200 MW—enough to power 1.2 million homes.
💰 Cost and Financing
• Funding Sources:
• Canada Growth Fund: $2 billion
• Building Ontario Fund: $1 billion
• Ontario Power Generation (OPG) remains the majority owner.
📅 Timeline
• Construction Start: May 2025
• SMR 1 Completion: Targeted by 2030
• SMRs 2–4: Expected by mid-2030s.
📈 Economic and Strategic Impact
• Jobs: 18,000 during construction; 3,700 annually during operation.
• GDP Contribution: Estimated $38.5 billion over 65 years.
• Supply Chain: 80% of spending to remain in Ontario, boosting local industries.
⚠️ Risks and Challenges
• First-of-a-kind (FOAK) risks: As the first commercial SMR in the G7, the project faces technological and regulatory uncertainties.
• Financing hurdles: Traditional investors are cautious due to construction and operational risks, prompting public investment to de-risk the project.
• Schedule sensitivity: While modularity promises faster builds, delays in infrastructure or licensing could impact timelines.
🌍 Global Context
• Only two commercial SMRs are currently operational worldwide—one in China and one in Russia.
• Canada’s success could position it as a global leader in SMR deployment and export.
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From:
Ontario News <do.not...@ontario.ca>Date: Thu, Oct 23, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Subject: Ontario and Nova Scotia Working Together to Advance Small Modular Reactor Development
To: <
arth...@gmail.com>
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NEWS RELEASE
Ontario and Nova Scotia Working Together to Advance Small Modular Reactor DevelopmentPartnership agreement will help the provinces unlock the potential of clean, reliable nuclear energy needed to power economic growth October 23, 2025
Ministry of Energy and Mines
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HALIFAX – In a major step towards Canada’s clean energy future, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce joined Nova Scotia’s Premier and Minister of Energy Tim Houston in Halifax to sign a landmark agreement to collaborate on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). This new partnership taps into Ontario’s global leadership and expertise in SMR technology to help drive Nova Scotia’s clean energy transition, while reinforcing Canada’s position as a world leader in cutting-edge nuclear innovation. Together, the two provinces will: - Share knowledge and expertise on SMR development, including new technologies, regulatory frameworks, supply chain capacity, economic and financial modelling, nuclear waste management, and public and Indigenous engagement
- Raise public awareness about the powerful economic and environmental benefits of nuclear energy from SMRs
- Collaborate with other provinces and territories to accelerate SMR adoption nationwide
- Advocate to the federal government for stronger support and streamlined regulatory processes to enable the fast, cost-effective deployment of SMRs across the country
“The world is watching Ontario as we lead the largest expansion of nuclear energy on the continent and build the G7’s first small modular reactor,” said Minister Lecce. “Through this important clean energy partnership with Nova Scotia, we are helping to advance small modular reactor technology to create good-paying jobs across the country. Small modular reactor deployment is an anchor of our nation-building plan that will create 18,000 construction jobs and add $500 million annually into Ontario’s economy. As we face instability in the global economy, Ontario is partnering with provinces East and West to deliver self-reliance, more jobs, and a stronger economy.” Nova Scotia’s involvement marks a pivotal moment for Atlantic Canada’s energy strategy – positioning the province to benefit from Ontario’s early leadership, while exploring a powerful tool to reduce emissions, stabilize energy prices and drive growth. Each SMR has the potential to produce 300 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, enough to power 300,000 homes. Ontario’s head start in SMR development has opened doors for more than 200 Canadian companies to support future domestic deployments and compete in a growing global market. The construction of Ontario’s four SMRs will create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs, along with the construction, operation and maintenance adding more than $38 billion to Canada’s GDP and sustaining 3,700 highly skilled good-paying jobs over the next 65 years. “Nova Scotia is open to exploring the full range of clean energy options that can help meet our province’s future energy needs, build grid resilience and protect ratepayers,” said Premier Houston. “We have an opportunity to learn from Ontario’s experience deploying nuclear technology and I see great value in this partnership to inform system planning and best practices for Nova Scotia.” SMRs play a central role in Energy for Generations, the government’s integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power it needs to power new homes and drive economic growth. The government’s integrated approach and record investments in energy infrastructure are also providing the certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come. |
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Quick Facts
- Ontario has been actively collaborating with New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta on SMR development.
- In December 2019, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), agreeing to work collaboratively in support of the development and deployment of SMRs. Alberta joined the MOU in April 2021.
- In March 2022, the four provinces released a joint Strategic Plan for the Deployment of SMRs that highlighted how SMRs can provide safe, reliable, and zero-emissions energy to power Canada’s economy, while creating opportunities to export Canadian nuclear expertise and products globally.
- In May 2025, the Ontario government approved Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to begin construction on the first of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site.
- Once completed, this SMR will be the first of its kind in the G7, producing enough reliable, affordable and clean electricity to power the equivalent of 300,000 homes, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs across the province and helping secure Ontario’s energy supply for decades to come
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Additional Resources
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Media ContactsIsha Chaudhuri
Minister Lecce's Office
isha.ch...@ontario.ca Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
robert.q...@ontario.ca |
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