Ontario's first-of-its-kind nuclear reactor just took a huge step forward

As electricity demand in Ontario reaches an all-time high, one town is poised to make nuclear history. 

In a first among G7 countries, Canada's first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is soon to transform Darlington Nuclear Generating Station — an hour east of Toronto.

The unit is the first of four reactors that the province plans to build at the site, as part of a major overhaul of the Darlington plant led by Ontario Power Generation (OPG).

In a significant boost for the innovative project, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) have announced a $70 million investment to build the world's first BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) engineering and service centre in conjunction with the new reactor. 

This key milestone for the project will also create over 300 jobs for the Durham region. Additionally, it'll train thousands of workers in the nuclear industry each year, helping to expand Canada's nuclear energy workforce on the home front. 

Heather Chalmers, President & CEO of GE Vernova Canada, says the centre will further the province's position "as a nuclear leader." 

"This Ontario-based hub will provide the province with continued access to the best and brightest talent and innovation in the nuclear energy industry while complementing global efforts for deploying the BWRX-300," said Chalmers. 

The SMR, which is essentially a compact version of a traditional nuclear plant, is designed to be fast and cost-effective to build. It's also proposed to be a game-changer in clean energy.

The demand for electricity in Ontario is projected to increase by 75 per cent by 2050. Once the first reactor is complete, it'll be able to produce enough reliable and affordable electricity to power close to 300,000 homes in Ontario, according to a press release from the province. 

While the Darlington site is home to a traditional nuclear plant already, this reactor is the first of its kind, as no other G7 country has begun work on one yet. 

And the province isn't breaking records alone — Ontario is working with other provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick to eventually roll out similar reactors across the country. 

Ontario's announcement for the SMR has already seen criticism from community members and environmental groups, citing public safety and cost concerns. 

Residents living in proximity to Darlington are already issued potassium iodide tablets as a first line of defence in the event of possible nuclear incidents, and past false alarms have generated panic across the broader region.

Work on the site is expected to be completed by 2030. 

Once operational, the four small modular reactors are expected to generate 1,200 megawatts of electricity, roughly the amount of energy required to power 1.2 million homes.