OPG resumes planning for new nuclear at Darlington

Benefits: A study undertaken by the Conference Board of Canada showed a strong economic boost to Ontario from the construction and 60 years of operation of a single reactor in the province, according to OPG on November 13. Direct, indirect, and spin-off related employment, the study said, would result in an annual average of approximately 700 jobs during project development, 1,600 jobs during manufacturing and construction, 200 jobs during operations, and 160 jobs during decommissioning.

In addition, the study found that the project would have a positive impact on direct, indirect, and induced gross domestic product of more than $2.5 billion and would result in an increase of provincial revenues of more than $870 million.

The next generation: “OPG is paving the way on the development and deployment of the next generation of nuclear power in Canada,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG’s president and chief executive officer. “A new SMR development on this site as early as 2028 would benefit all Ontarians while further cementing Durham Region and Ontario as the clean energy capital of the world.”

Greg Rickford, Canada’s minister of energy, mines, northern development, and indigenous affairs, said, “Our government is proud to support OPG’s efforts to develop cutting-edge SMR technology right here in Durham at the Darlington nuclear station by the end of this decade. Ontario and our provincial partners in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Alberta are leading the charge on SMR deployment in Canada and showcasing our nuclear expertise and made-in-Ontario technology to the world.”