Commission authorizes Ontario Power Generation Inc. to construct 1 BWRX-300 reactor at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission’s decision to issue a power reactor construction licence to Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG) to construct 1 General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor at its Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) site in Clarington, Ontario.

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission’s decision to issue a power reactor construction licence to Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG) to construct 1 General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor at its Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) site in Clarington, Ontario. The power reactor construction licence is valid until March 31, 2035. The licence includes 4 facility-specific licence conditions that, along with the standard licence conditions, will enable effective regulatory oversight of the licensed activities. 

The Commission concluded that OPG is qualified to construct the reactor and will do so in a way that protects the health and safety of people and the environment. In making its decision, the Commission carefully considered all submissions and perspectives received during a 2-part public hearing held virtually on October 2, 2024, and in person in Ajax, Ontario on January 8 to 10, 13 and 14, 2025.

The Commission further concluded that it had fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous rights in respect of its decision on this matter. As a lifecycle regulator, the CNSC focuses on continuous engagement and consultation with Indigenous Nations and groups before, during and after Commission proceedings in respect of licensed activities. 

The record of decision, which contains the Commission’s rationale for its decision, is available upon request from the Commission Registry by contacting [email protected]. Once available in both official languages, the record of decision will be published on the CNSC website.