Ontario Power Generation applies for operating licence for a BWRX-300 small modular reactor at Darlington

The application is for a 20-year operating licence covering what is expected to be the first SMR in a G7 country (one of the world’s seven largest advanced economies), along with an associated facility for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste storage.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) confirmed receipt of the application, noting that it will be subject to a Commission decision following a public hearing, the date of which will be announced later.

According to OPG, obtaining the operating licence will be necessary to complete commissioning activities and ensure the safe operation of the reactor once construction is finished.

OPG already holds a license to construct the unit, which includes three regulatory hold points. The first of these — related to the installation of the reactor building foundation — has recently been cleared, allowing construction to proceed.

The BWRX-300 SMR

GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 is a 300 MWe small modular reactor featuring natural circulation cooling and passive safety systems, building on the licensed ESBWR design and GNF2 fuel. The Darlington New Nuclear Project will mark Ontario’s first new nuclear build in more than three decades. In April 2025, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) obtained a construction licence for the first of four planned units, followed by provincial approval of a CAD20.9 billion project and the start of construction.

The project, consistent with Canada's Small Modular Reactor Action Plan,  is expected to create up to 18,000 jobs, contribute CAD500 million annually to the Ontario economy, and add CAD38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over 65 years, with around 80% of spending directed to local companies. Site preparation began in 2022, key components have already been procured, and the first unit is scheduled to be connected to the grid by the end of 2030.

Source: World Nuclear News