Canada Authorized Construction of First Small Modular Reactor BWRX-300

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has authorized the construction of the first small modular reactor BWRX-300 designed by General Electric Hitachi. The Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will construct the reactor at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site in Ontario.

The CNSC concluded that the OPG is qualified to construct the reactor and the design will be implemented in compliance with safety requirements for the public and the environment.

The license is valid until 31 March 2035 and includes site specific license conditions:

• implement measures for risk mitigation proposed during environmental assessment;
• propose a monitoring program for environmental consequences;
• obtain an authorization of the regulatory authority for further project stages;
• interact with indigenous people during the whole period of license validity.

The construction of the first unit is expected to start later this year and commercial operations are expected to commence by the end of 2029.