Overview

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are the next generation of innovative, versatile and scalable nuclear reactors. They have the potential to provide economic and environmental benefits for Ontario and Canada.

Ontario is leading the way on SMR development and deployment to create a clean reliable energy future across the province and around the world. Canada's first on-grid and off-grid SMRs are planned to be built in Ontario and are currently progressing through approvals. In doing so, Ontario is becoming a first mover in the construction of SMRs for commercial use.

About small modular reactors

SMRs are nuclear reactors that are significantly smaller and more flexible than conventional nuclear reactors. SMRs would be small enough to be built in a factory and shipped by truck, rail or ship.

A typical SMR would generate between 2 and 300 megawatts of electricity, which could provide power for a village or small city. In comparison, a conventional nuclear reactor can generate 600 to 1,000 megawatts of electricity or more, which can provide power for a large city.

SMRs could operate independently or be linked to multiple units, depending on the required amount of power.

How Ontario can benefit

SMRs have the potential to provide clean, low-cost power for homes, businesses, and industries. Ontario is already home to most of Canada’s 76,000 jobs that are supported by the nuclear energy sector. SMR development and deployment could create more high-quality jobs, including in rural, Northern, and Indigenous communities, while driving economic growth and export opportunities.

Powering remote locations

SMR technology has the potential to bring clean low-cost energy to remote rural and Northern communities, as well as remote mining projects, that might not be suitable for other kinds of generation or that may currently rely on expensive diesel power. By powering remote communities and mines with off-grid SMRs, customers could save money and reduce emissions.

Flexibility and innovation

SMRs' small size and flexibility could provide versatility for energy production, especially as more communities are seeking greater control over their energy planning and consumption. They could:

  • provide incremental supply as electricity demand increases
  • integrate with renewables in a local energy system

They also have the potential for innovations beyond electricity, such as supplying heat or steam for industrial processes, removing salt from seawater or producing hydrogen fuel.

Jobs, economy and exports

Ontario is home to a robust nuclear supply chain, with companies across the province providing good local jobs, including in the skilled trades.

With the development and deployment of SMR technology, there will be continued opportunities for Ontario nuclear supply chain partners to participate, adding good-paying, local jobs.

The construction and operation of a single 300-megawatt SMR unit at Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) Darlington nuclear site over its life is expected to create around 2,460 jobs across the province and increase Gross Domestic Product by more than $2.5 billion. OPG expects that at least 70 to 80 per cent of the project’s necessary components and materials will be sourced from Ontario’s nuclear supply chain companies.

The potential for future SMR deployment outside of Ontario can provide additional opportunities for the province’s nuclear supply chain. For example, an agreement worth $1 billion is in place to develop made-in-Ontario SMR components for potential SMRs in Poland.

The future of SMRs in Ontario

Ontario is a world leader in nuclear technology and has been monitoring developments in the SMR market for several years. Ontario is home to many cutting-edge companies and thousands of nuclear workers with the knowledge and expertise to help bring SMRs to market.

Working with partners

Memorandum of understanding

In December 2019, Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a framework for SMR development and deployment in each jurisdiction. Alberta signed the MOU in April 2021.

Along with New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta, Ontario is collaborating with partners, businesses and stakeholders on SMR development and deployment to create a more competitive business environment and a clean, reliable energy future. This could help build Ontario's and Canada's future in the global nuclear market.

In April 2021, the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan received a report prepared by OPG, Bruce Power, NB Power and SaskPower titled Feasibility of SMR Development and Deployment in Canada. The report provides:

  • a feasibility assessment of SMR development and deployment
  • the companies’ business cases for SMR implementation for provincial governments to consider

Read the executive summary.

Strategic plan

In March 2022, Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta released a report outlining the path forward on SMRs called A Strategic Plan for the Deployment of Small Modular Reactors. The report identifies key priority areas for the provinces to consider for developing and deploying SMRs, including:

  • positioning Canada as a global SMR technology hub by propelling three separate streams of SMR development, covering both on-grid and off-grid applications
  • promoting a solid nuclear regulatory framework that focuses on the health and safety of the public and the environment while ensuring reasonable costs and timelines
  • securing federal government commitments on financial and policy support for new technologies that could lead to vast economic benefits
  • working with the federal government and nuclear operators on nuclear waste management for SMRs
  • creating opportunities for participation from Indigenous communities and public engagement

Read A Strategic Plan for the Deployment of Small Modular Reactors.

Darlington SMR project

OPG's Darlington Nuclear Generating Station is Ontario’s, and Canada’s, only licensed site for new nuclear generation.

OPG, with Ontario’s support, is moving forward with plans to build Canada’s first SMR at the Darlington site, pending regulatory approvals from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

On December 2, 2021, OPG selected GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy as the technology developer for the Darlington SMR project.

Read about OPG's plans for an SMR at its Darlington site.