Ontario Approves World's First Small Modular Reactor, 300MW BWRX-300 to Power 300,000 Homes by 2030

Canada's Ontario province has made a significant stride in the nuclear energy sector by approving the construction of the world's first small modular reactor (SMR). This project, spearheaded by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, is poised to be the first SMR to commence operations in the Western world. The 300-megawatt BWRX-300 reactor will be situated adjacent to the existing Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, operated by Ontario Power Generation. Upon completion, it is projected to supply sufficient electricity for approximately 300,000 households.

The successful deployment of the BWRX-300 at the Darlington site is expected to serve as a demonstration of the viability and benefits of SMR technology. Ontario's Ministry of Energy has emphasized the project's importance, highlighting that it will be the first of its kind among the G7 nations. GE has confirmed that preliminary site preparations are complete, and full-scale construction is set to begin, with the reactor anticipated to start operations in 2030.

The Darlington site has plans to install a total of four SMR units, all of which are expected to be operational by 2035. The entire project is estimated to cost 209 billion Canadian dollars. According to Ontario's Minister of Energy, Stephen Lecce, this initiative is a key part of the provincial government's strategy to address the projected 75% increase in electricity demand by 2050.

"Ensuring we have reliable and affordable energy is vital for our province's and nation's economic sovereignty," Lecce stated. This breakthrough in SMR technology further solidifies nuclear energy as a prominent long-term direction in the energy sector. As the global transition to clean energy accelerates and energy demand rises, companies with nuclear technology and service capabilities, particularly those focused on SMR development, are likely to attract substantial investor attention in the coming years.