Group forms to build SMR
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has announced that it has partnered with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, SNC-Lavalin, and Aecon to build North America's first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site.
Under terms of the agreement, GE Hitachi, SNC-Lavalin, Aecon, and OPG will provide a diverse range of expertise and services as part of an integrated project delivery model to develop, engineer and construct the SMR.
- OPG will serve as the SMR license holder and will maintain overall responsibility for the project, including operator training, commissioning, Indigenous engagement, stakeholder outreach and oversight.
- GE Hitachi will act as the technology developer responsible for design, procurement of major components, engineering and support.
- SNC-Lavalin is the architect and engineer providing design, engineering and procurement support.
- Aecon is the provider of all construction services, including project management, construction planning and execution.
"Working with these three companies, OPG is leveraging decades of nuclear energy and large project experience to deliver much-needed new, reliable electricity generation to Ontarians," said Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO. "Construction of the Darlington SMR will create jobs and help ensure we meet Ontario's growing energy needs as electrification and a growing economy drive demand."
Site preparation and related work is currently underway. Construction is expected to reach completion in the fourth quarter of 2028.
"As the preeminent nuclear constructor in Canada, Aecon is proud to bring our proven, full spectrum of expertise to deliver this exciting new nuclear build – leading the way in deploying the next generation of plants and guaranteeing the production of clean, reliable and affordable electricity in Ontario," said Jean-Louis Servranckx, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aecon Group Inc. "Nuclear power and SMRs are integral to Aecon's growth strategy in Canada, the US and internationally, and will play a significant role in advancing global progress towards achieving sustainability targets and a net-zero economy by 2050."
The Darlington SMR will be a GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor, a new class of nuclear reactors that provide up to 300 megawatts of electric power – enough to supply over 300,000 homes – and have been designed to reduce construction costs compared to traditional nuclear generating stations.
The site is the only Canadian location licensed for new nuclear, with an accepted environmental assessment and a site preparation licence. Once complete, the work is expected to spearhead similar projects in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Alberta, with interest also growing in the United States and Europe.
A 2021 Conference Board of Canada study shows strong economic benefit to Ontario from the construction and operation of a single SMR facility. These benefits include 700 jobs during project development, 1,600 jobs during manufacturing and construction, 200 jobs during operations, and 160 jobs during decommissioning.
The estimated positive impact on gross domestic product could reach more than $2.5 billion and increase provincial revenues by more than $870 million.
OPG is already working with SNC-Lavalin and Aecon on the Darlington Refurbishment, one of Canada's largest clean-energy projects.