Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has submitted the initial project description for its proposed new nuclear project at Wesleyville in Port Hope to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC).

The regulatory milestone is the first step in advancing the project through the impact assessment process.

In early 2025, the Ontario government asked OPG to explore the potential for new nuclear generation at its Wesleyville site to help meet the growing demand for electricity in the province.

The site, which is maintained by OPG and already zoned for electricity generation, is well-suited to support a large new nuclear site and is located near existing transmission, road, and railway infrastructure.

The project description has been developed based on a range of potential nuclear technologies that could be deployed at the site, totaling up to 10,000 Mwe, enough to power the equivalent of 10 million homes.

The impact assessment process is led by the IAAC in collaboration with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and will include an assessment of potential impacts and explore how adverse effects could be mitigated.

OPG’s project description draws on input from the Michi-Saagiig Anishnaabeg Nations of the Williams Treaties First Nations. It also incorporates early input from the Municipality of Port Hope, where the proposed project is located.