First SMR in North America To Be Operational in 5 Years

Andrew Topf, an experienced journalist with a background in newspapers, trade publications, and mining reporting, specializes in writing. He reported that Ontario Power Generation is set to construct a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the Darlington site with a budget of CAD$7.7 billion, aiming for a launch in 2030. SMRs are known for their cost-effectiveness, smaller size, and quicker construction compared to traditional reactors. Supported by U.S. and global investments, various SMR projects, from Terrapower to Rolls-Royce, indicate a growing trend in a market projected to reach $7.14 billion by 2030.

The Ontario government has approved the construction of the first of four SMRs at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site by Ontario Power Generation. OPG plans for it to be the first commercial grid-scale SMR in North America, operational by 2030, marking the first new nuclear build in Ontario in over thirty years. The government’s support for the CAD$20.9 billion project followed OPG’s receipt of a construction license in April from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The initial SMR is estimated to cost $7.7 billion, and all four reactors will be situated adjacent to the Darlington nuclear power plant, east of Toronto, expected to be operational by 2035.

The BWRX 300 modular plant, designed by G.E. Hitachi Nuclear Energy, will have a capacity of 300 megawatts, sufficient to power 300,000 homes. In comparison, each of Darlington’s conventional nuclear reactors produces 935 MW. The Doug Ford government believes these plants will assist in meeting Ontario’s future energy needs, which are predicted to increase by 75 percent by 2050.

SMRs, with a capacity generally under 300 MWe, are being embraced by countries seeking to reduce emissions without the high costs, risks, and political challenges associated with conventional nuclear plants. These smaller reactors can be constructed more affordably and swiftly than larger reactors, offering a more flexible option for utilities. Prefabricated SMRs can be easily transported and are suitable for remote areas where large reactors are impractical. They also have fewer components, reducing the risk of malfunctions. The versatility and lower costs of SMRs make them appealing for a broader range of utilities.

Several utilities, including SaskPower from Saskatchewan and the Tennessee Valley Authority, have shown interest in the BWRX 300, similar to Ontario’s choice. Meanwhile, advancements in SMR technology are also being pursued in countries like France, the UK, and the Netherlands, indicating a global shift towards smaller, more efficient nuclear power solutions.