Darlington New Nuclear Project
Proponent
Ontario Power Generation
Sector
Industrial
Location
Bowmanville, Ontario
Proponent
Ontario Power Generation
Sector
Industrial
Location
Bowmanville, Ontario
Description
The Darlington New Nuclear Project involves the development of the first of four planned small modular reactor (SMR) units, which will provide reliable, affordable, and clean electricity.
SMRs are a new class of nuclear reactors that are considerably smaller in size and power output than conventional nuclear power reactors, with enhanced safety features. Several provinces are actively pursuing SMRs, including Ontario.
The Darlington New Nuclear Project is on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe people. These lands are covered by the Williams Treaties between Canada and the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations.
Description
The Darlington New Nuclear Project involves the development of the first of four planned small modular reactor (SMR) units, which will provide reliable, affordable, and clean electricity.
SMRs are a new class of nuclear reactors that are considerably smaller in size and power output than conventional nuclear power reactors, with enhanced safety features. Several provinces are actively pursuing SMRs, including Ontario.
The Darlington New Nuclear Project is on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe people. These lands are covered by the Williams Treaties between Canada and the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations.
Quick facts
- Job creation: All four units are expected to create 18,000 annual jobs during construction, and sustain 2,500 annual jobs during operation.
- Project investment: The first SMR will cost $7.7 billion including common infrastructure, and the total budget for all four units is expected to be $20.9 billion.
- Clean energy supply: The first SMR unit will supply enough clean electricity to power approximately 300,000 homes. When completed, the 4 SMR units will generate enough electricity to power 1.2 million homes.
- Support for Canadian businesses: More than 80% of project spending is dedicated to Canadian companies.
Benefits
- This project will establish Canada as the first G7 nation to have an operational SMR, positioning Canada as a global leader with plans to export SMR deployment expertise, as well as potential supply chain participation, by 2030.
- The project will contribute to Canada’s clean electricity goals by providing low-emitting, reliable power.
Latest updates
- The Canada Growth Fund (CGF) and Building Ontario Fund (BOF) announced a combined $3 billion equity commitment to finance the Darlington New Nuclear Project. This includes up to $2 billion from the CGF and up to $1 billion from the BOF. These investments will de-risk the construction and operation of the first-of-its-kind SMR project through innovative financial arrangements, encouraging private sector and Indigenous investment in the project over time.
- To further support clean energy projects, the Government of Canada tabled legislation to implement the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit. This refundable credit is equal to 15% of the capital cost of eligible investments in low-emitting electricity generation equipment, including nuclear technologies.
- On September 11, 2025, the project was referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO).
- On April 4, 2025, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) granted Ontario Power Generation (OPG) a license to construct the first SMR for the Darlington New Nuclear Project.
- The MPO continues to monitor project progress and engage with Indigenous groups, partners, and proponents to support the timely delivery of this project.
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