Darlington New Nuclear Project : Aecon, GE Hitachi, and SNC-Lavalin to develop Canada’s first SMR

Aecon, GE Hitachi and SNC-Lavalin have partnered to develop North America’s first grid-scale small modular reactor at the Darlington New Nuclear Project for Ontario Power Generation (OPG).

Under a six-year agreement, the partnership will deploy a BWRX-300 small modular reactor at Ontario Power Generation’s nuclear power project site in Clarington, Ontario before the end of the decade.

The GE Hitachi BWRX-300 nuclear reactor at the Darlington New Nuclear Project will provide up to 300MW of electric power and minimize construction costs.

The multi-party agreement also covers a range of project activities including design, engineering licensing support, construction, testing, training, and commissioning.

Jean-Louis Servranckx — Aecon Group President and CEO said: “Nuclear power and SMRs are integral to Aecon’s growth strategy and will play a significant role in advancing global progress towards achieving sustainability targets and a net-zero economy by 2050.”

Aecon, GE Hitachi, and SNC-Lavalin to develop Canada’s first SMR for the Darlington New Nuclear Project. Photo courtesy of GE Hitachi.

GE Hitachi will provide design, major components, and engineering and support services for the Darlington New Nuclear Project while Aecon will provide project management, construction planning and execution services and SNC-Lavalin will provide design, engineering and procurement support services.

Ontario Power Generation, under an integrated project delivery (IPD) model, will hold license and will be in charge of the project, including operator training, commissioning, indigenous engagement, stakeholder outreach and oversight.

Ken Hartwick — OPG President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Electricity produced by the Darlington SMR will help ensure we meet Ontario’s growing energy needs as electrification and a growing economy drive demand.”

The construction of the small modular reactor at the Darlington New Nuclear Project is anticipated to complete in the fourth quarter of 2028.

In August 2022, Tennessee Valley Authority chose the BWRX-300 for potential deployment at the Clinch River Site near Oak Ridge, US.

In June 2022, SaskPower selected the BWRX-300 for potential deployment in Saskatchewan in the mid-2030s.