Durham MPP Todd McCarthy Announces Next Step to Strengthen Ontario and Canada’s Energy Sector
May 8, 2025
Construction will create 18,000 Canadian jobs, add up to $500 million annually to Ontario’s economy and help secure clean, reliable energy
Clarington – With electricity demand in Ontario set to soar by at least 75 per cent by 2050, the Ontario government has approved Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to begin construction on the first of four small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Darlington nuclear site. Once complete, this SMR will be the first of its kind in the G7, producing enough reliable, affordable and clean electricity to power the equivalent of 300,000 homes, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs across the province and helping secure Ontario’s energy supply for decades to come.
The construction of the four units will support the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s workers and economy by creating up to 18,000 Canadian jobs and injecting $500 million on average annually into Ontario’s economy. The construction, operation and maintenance of the four units will add $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next 65 years. The government has worked with OPG to ensure that 80 per cent of project spending goes to Ontario companies and that construction and operations will protect Ontario workers and jobs by sustaining an estimated 3,700 highly skilled, good-paying jobs for the next 65 years.
“This is a historic day for Canada as we start construction on the first small modular reactor in the G7, creating 18,000 jobs for Canadians,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “This nation-building project being built right here in Ontario will be led by Canadian workers using Canadian steel, concrete and materials to help deliver the extraordinary amount of reliable and clean power we will need to deliver on our ambitious plan to protect Ontario and unleash our economy.”
“Today’s announcement is the next step to strengthening Ontario and Canada’s energy security while supporting thousands of well-paying jobs for workers in the region” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “Once complete, this SMR will be the first of its kind in the G7, delivering clean reliable and affordable electricity to homes and businesses.”
The BWRX-300 is a small-scale nuclear reactor that uses commercially available uranium to generate power. Once complete, they will produce 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power the equivalent of 1.2 million homes, to help bridge a power gap that could emerge in the early 2030s in the absence of net-new baseload power sources added to the grid.
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) concluded that the Darlington New Nuclear Project is the best option to meet growing demand in terms of costs and risks, when compared against non-emitting generation alternatives. This, combined with OPG’s outstanding track-record on the Darlington Refurbishment Project, factored into the government’s decision to support the Darlington New Nuclear Project. Advancing construction on the Darlington New Nuclear Project SMRs is just one part of Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future, the government’s vision as it plans for rising energy demand.
QUICK FACTS
• The government is supporting OPG’s $20.9 billion budget for the Darlington New Nuclear Project, which includes site preparation, engineering and design work to date, as well as the construction of all four small modular reactors.
• During project development OPG will continue to build respectful, collaborative relationships with the communities of the Williams Treaties First Nations, while pursuing potential opportunities for their equity partnership in the project. This would be a first-of-its-kind partnership in Canada for nuclear energy generation, reflecting the government and OPG’s commitment to ensure local First Nations benefit from new projects in their territories.
• Once complete, the Darlington New Nuclear Projects four SMRs will produce 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power 1.2 million homes.
• According to the IESO, the province would need to build up to 8,900 MW of wind and solar paired with battery storage to replace the output of four SMRs. The IESO also concluded this alternative approach would carry significant risks including significant land requirements and the need for large scale transmission build out.
• The first SMR will cost $6.1 billion, along with costs for systems and services common to all four SMRs of $1.6 billion. Costs are expected to decline with each subsequent unit as efficiencies are gained, like the Darlington Refurbishment Project.
• OPG began site preparation for the first SMR in December 2022. Ontario announced that OPG would begin planning and licensing for three additional SMRs, for a total of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site in July 2023. OPG obtained a Licence to Construct (LTC) for Unit 1 from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in April 2025.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES
“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. As we saw through the refurbishment project, building a fleet of SMRs with the support of Ontario’s strong nuclear supply chain will provide further opportunities to learn, identify efficiencies, and expand the supply chain. All of this invaluable, irreplaceable experience will prepare us to take on the next large nuclear project.” – Nicolle Butcher, President and Chief Executive Officer, OPG
“This is a proud moment for GE Vernova Hitachi and Ontario as we move from vision to reality with construction of the G7’s first SMR, the BWRX-300. With dozens of Ontario-based suppliers contributing to this project, we’re not just building a reactor—we’re generating thousands of good-paying jobs, driving investment into communities across the province, and reinforcing Ontario’s global leadership in clean energy technology. That leadership is already opening doors to international export opportunities for Ontario companies, helping position our province as a global hub for next-generation nuclear innovation. GE has been part of Canada’s nuclear story from the very beginning, and we’re honoured to carry that legacy forward by delivering a made-in-Ontario solution that strengthens our economy and powers our future.” – Lisa McBride Country Leader, GE Vernova Hitachi SMR Canada
“Clarington is excited to team up with the Ontario Government and OPG to advance new nuclear technology. As we host the first SMR in the G7, we’re paving the way for clean energy that will benefit everyone. Our leadership in this global nuclear renaissance is thrilling. The Darlington SMR project promises thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds more during operations, boosting economic growth and job creation in Clarington now and in the future.” – Adrian Foster, Mayor of Clarington.
“The Ontario Government’s approval of OPG’s small modular reactor project at Darlington represents a major milestone in the province’s clean energy strategy. This project will deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits across Ontario, including thousands of skilled jobs and a reliable, low-carbon power supply. We commend the province for its continued commitment to investing in innovative and future-focused energy solutions.” – John Henry, Regional Chair – Regional Municipality of Durham.
“Ontario’s SMR project builds on Ontario’s clean energy advantage by putting Ontario at the forefront of clean energy knowledge and technology that can be exported around the world. The OEA supports the Ontario Government’s plan to make the province a world leader in nuclear energy and maintain nuclear power as a core element of Ontario’s clean affordable energy sector.” – Vince Brescia, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Energy Association.
Ontario’s historic investment in small modular reactors is a powerful statement of confidence in our province’s skilled workforce and energy future. The Darlington SMR project not only secures clean, reliable power for generations, it creates thousands of good-paying jobs and reinforces our position as a global leader in nuclear innovation. LiUNA members are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative project, building the infrastructure that powers our economy, strengthens our communities, and ensures prosperity for working families across Ontario.” – Joseph Mancinelli,
International Vice President, Canadian Director, LiUNA.
Douglas Ellis, Executive Assistant
Office of the Hon. Todd McCarthy, MPP – Durham
C: 905-697-1501
E: douglas.ellis@pc.ola.org