The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has decided to grant Ontario Power Generation (OPG) authorisation for the construction of BWRX-300 Darlington nuclear power station site. The Commission found that OPG is competent to carry out nuclear safety-related construction activities and has adequate programmes to protect workers, the public and the environment and to meet Canada's international obligations.
The authorisation is valid until 31 March 2035 and includes specific construction conditions and checkpoints where OPG must provide additional information before the next phases can begin. The licence does not yet authorise the operation of the reactor - this will be the subject of a separate licence application once the plant is completed and the inspections are passed.
OPG started applying for a preparatory permit for the site in 2006, and the environmental impact assessment was completed in 2012.In 2021, GE Hitachi was selected for the Darlington station. BWRX-300 reactor type, and a construction permit was applied for in October 2022.
Stephen Lecce, Ontario's Minister of Energy and Mines, called the decision a historic step that is estimated to create up to 17 000 jobs and contribute CAD 15 billion, or about €9.6 billion, to Ontario's provincial GDP.
The launch of the first BWRX-300 is scheduled for the end of 2029. Fermi Energia has selected the same reactor type for construction in Estonia and is closely monitoring all construction activities in Canada with a view to reaching power generation by the end of 2035. To this end, Fermi Energia is working with both GE Hitachi as a subsidiary of OPG specialising in development and planning services. Laurentis Energy PartnersWith.