In a significant move for the future of clean energy in Canada, the nation has greenlit the development of a major Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has officially granted Ontario Power Generation (OPG) a power reactor construction licence to build a BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor at the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) site in Clarington, Ontario.
The licence is valid until 31 March 2035, and comes with four facility-specific conditions designed to ensure strict regulatory oversight. This move follows an exhaustive review process, including a two-part public hearing held virtually in October 2024 and in person in January 2025.
Public engagement and Indigenous consultation a priority
The Commission emphasised its commitment to public participation and Indigenous consultation when making its decision.
The hearings involved input from a wide range of stakeholders, including local residents, environmental experts, and Indigenous groups. The CNSC affirmed that its constitutional duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous rights was fully met.
As a lifecycle regulator, the CNSC has pledged ongoing engagement with Indigenous Nations and groups throughout the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases of the project.
BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor explained
The BWRX-300 is a state-of-the-art small modular reactor developed by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH).
It is a compact, advanced nuclear design that builds upon the proven Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR) and incorporates components from the widely-used Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (ABWR).
One of the key innovations of the BWRX-300 SMR is its passive safety features. Unlike traditional reactors that rely on active systems such as electric pumps, the BWRX-300 can safely shut down and cool itself without operator intervention or external power.
This is achieved through natural circulation cooling, where water flows through the reactor core by natural convection. The result is a simpler, more cost-effective system with enhanced safety, even in extreme scenarios.
Darlington New Nuclear Project: A vision for clean, scalable power
The Darlington New Nuclear Project represents a strategic investment in Ontario’s energy infrastructure.
OPG’s plan includes the eventual construction of up to four SMRs at the site, aiming to deliver as much as 4,800 megawatts of zero-emissions electricity to the provincial grid.
The DNNP site, located on the eastern third of the existing Darlington Nuclear campus, is already equipped with support infrastructure and a site preparation licence from the CNSC.
The BWRX-300 will be the first unit constructed, serving as a model for future reactor builds both within Ontario and potentially across Canada.
Why Canada is advancing its nuclear capabilities
The approval of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor is more than a milestone for Ontario – it’s a critical step in Canada’s broader energy and climate strategy.
As global energy demands rise and pressure mounts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy offers a reliable, carbon-free solution that can complement renewables like wind and solar.
SMRs, in particular, offer flexible deployment options, faster construction timelines, and reduced capital costs compared to traditional large reactors.
This makes them ideal for powering remote communities, supporting industrial operations, and replacing ageing fossil fuel infrastructure.
By investing in nuclear technology like the BWRX-300, Canada not only bolsters its energy security but also drives innovation, creates skilled jobs, and strengthens its position in the global clean energy economy.
