Policy Win: License Granted to Build a Small Modular Reactor at an Ontario Nuclear Generating Station

On April 4, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced a significant milestone for Ontario’s clean energy future and the engineering profession. In a press release, the CNSC confirmed that it has officially granted Ontario Power Generation (OPG) a power reactor construction license for a General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the Darlington New Nuclear Project Site in Clarington, ON. This license is valid for ten years.  

For a long time, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) has emphasized to both the provincial and federal government and regulators the importance of investing in nuclear innovation, including the development and deployment of SMRs.  

Also Read: Society Notes Blog | Getting to Zero: The Role of Small Modular Reactors 

These investments are a key component of achieving net-zero targets, ensuring energy reliability and affordability, and fostering economic growth. We’ve continually called for regulatory clarity, timely decision-making, and government support to enable the advancement of these technologies and this license is a strong indication that such advocacy is making a tangible impact. 

This milestone builds on OSPE’s long-standing engagement on the role of SMRs in Canada’s energy future.  

Also Read: Society Notes Blog | Small Modular Reactors to Power Canada’s Future 

This approval is more than a regulatory milestone; it’s a demonstration of confidence in Ontario’s engineering expertise and capacity to lead complex, cutting-edge infrastructure projects that prioritize safety, sustainability, and community engagement. The CNSC’s decision, made after careful review of public submissions and Indigenous consultation, reflects Canada’s robust regulatory framework and affirms OPG’s capability to safely construct this new reactor. 

As engineers, we understand that successful energy transitions depend not only on technology but also on policy alignment, regulatory foresight, and the specialized knowledge our profession brings. OSPE will continue to advocate for engineers to remain at the heart of Ontario’s nuclear future, energy planning, and infrastructure development. 

We congratulate OPG on this important step forward and thank the CNSC for its rigorous review and commitment to transparency. OSPE looks forward to continued collaboration with government and industry stakeholders to help realize the full potential of this groundbreaking project. 

Also Read: Society Notes Blog | Ontario Nuclear Energy