With its recent decision to electrify, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has hit a huge homerun in its nuclear energy efforts. They placed contracts over C$1 billion with BWX Technologies. These contracts will supercharge OPG’s push in the Pickering life extension project. This will help in deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at the Darlington site. The new initiative would construct four of the new reactors—called small modular reactors or SMRs—which will produce 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity. The goal is to address projected power shortfalls predicted for the early 2030s.
The first SMR for the Darlington site is projected to be around C$6.1 billion. In addition, there will be about C$1.6 billion in additional costs for common systems and services. That’s enough electricity to power about 1.2 million homes. This monumental investment will allow us to produce it. Beyond the climate benefits, it would dramatically improve the region’s energy security.
As of December 2022, OPG was just starting site preparation for the Darlington project. It is an ambitious initiative, bound to become North America’s nuclear landscape’s transformative force. In April 2025, OPG obtained a reactor construction licence from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for Unit 1. This accomplishment became a key turning point on the project’s schedule.
Of course, the Darlington SMR deployment has received support from more than 80 Ontario companies. These companies have signed mutual confidentiality agreements with OPG to support the project. This innovative collaboration demonstrates that the project can create a strong economic stimulus across the province, generating benefits to help strengthen the local supply chain.
BWX Technologies has been a major partner in OPG’s nuclear line up projects and a significant contributor. They are directly accountable for pushing through both the Pickering life extension and the Darlington SMR deployment. Each of the contracts awarded to BWX Technologies will significantly increase associated job creation. They want to showcase Ontario’s nuclear expertise and advantage.
“The OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project is a trailblazing undertaking – leading the way in delivering the next generation of nuclear plants across North America and internationally,” stated Aecon Group president and CEO Jean-Louis Servranckx.
Moreover, OPG president and CEO Nicolle Butcher emphasized the project’s significance by stating, “As the first mover on SMRs, this made-in-Ontario project will create jobs for the province’s workers, contracts for Ontario’s booming supply chain, and showcase our capabilities and expertise to the world to further grow our domestic industry while strengthening Canada’s energy security.”