Ontario Launches Canada’s First Small Modular Reactor

Ontario has officially approved the construction of Canada’s first small modular reactor (SMR), marking a major milestone for the future of nuclear energy in the country. The project will be led by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and built adjacent to the existing Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.

What’s Being Built and Why It Matters

The first SMR, expected to generate 300 megawatts of electricity, could power around 300,000 homes. With an estimated cost of $7.7 billion for this single unit, the province aims to finish construction by 2029 and have it connected to the grid by 2030.

This is just the beginning. OPG plans to build four small reactors on the site in total, with the full project estimated to cost $20.9 billion. The move comes as Ontario prepares for a projected 75% increase in electricity demand over the coming decades.

Ontario’s Global First: The BWRX-300

Ontario will be the first place in the world to build the BWRX-300, a new reactor model designed by GE Hitachi. This model is a smaller, more scalable version of existing nuclear technology, offering quicker build times and a more compact footprint.

About 80% of the project spending will go to Ontario-based companies, boosting local industry and job creation. U.S.-based companies—mainly those tied to the GE Hitachi design—are expected to receive only 5% of the spending.

How It Compares to Other Energy Sources

The IESO says SMR electricity will cost an average of 14.9 cents per kilowatt hour over its lifetime. That’s comparable to the 13.5 to 18.4 cents/kWh range for wind and solar with battery storage.

But there’s a tradeoff. Wind and solar options require more land and new transmission lines, and face hurdles in site selection. The SMR, on the other hand, can use an existing nuclear site and operate continuously.

Funding, Jobs, and Long-Term Impact

Although the Ford government has approved the project, there is no direct taxpayer funding allocated for its construction. OPG will finance it using cash reserves and debt. The Ford government approved the project, but it hasn’t allocated direct taxpayer funding. OPG will cover costs through cash reserves and debt. Electricity rates will recover the expenses over time.

Despite that, the province still spends heavily to subsidize rates—$7.3 billion last year alone, much more than under past governments.

The SMR project will create or sustain 3,700 jobs per year for 65 years. It’s also expected to generate $13 billion in tax revenue across all levels of government.

Do you think small modular reactors are the key to a cleaner, more reliable energy future in Canada?

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/small-modular-reactor-nuclear-power-ontario-construction-1.7529338
• https://www.cp24.com/politics/queens-park/2025/05/08/four-small-modular-reactors-at-darlington-to-cost-21-billion-to-build
• https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005889/ontario-leads-the-g7-by-building-first-small-modular-reactor