Ontario Construction News staff writer
Early preparation activities will soon begin at the site of Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) future Small Modular Reactor.
OPG has awarded a $32 million contract to E.S. Fox Limited for the first phase of site preparation and support infrastructure for the Darlington New Nuclear Project.
“We are proud to partner together with OPG as early work begins for the planned Darlington Small Modular Reactor,” said Spencer Fox, E.S. Fox President. “We are honored to be a part of this project and look forward to breaking ground and laying the foundation for OPG to safely set new standards in the global nuclear power generation industry for the benefit of all Ontarians.”
Executing this initial work will involve approximately 100 new jobs.
Infrastructure work under this contract includes bringing services to site including water, electrical power, IT and roads.
In December, OPG announced plans to work with GE Hitachi to work toward constructing Canada’s first commercial, grid-scale SMR.
Early site preparation is expected to begin later this year, when OPG receives necessary permits and regulatory approvals. Further regulatory approvals are required, through the CNSC, before any SMR construction work can begin.
“This early work sets the stage for deployment of the type of clean, safe new electricity generation Ontario needs as demand begins to rise due to electrification,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG’s president and CEO.
“We look forward to seeing the site begin to take shape, with help from trusted partner E.S. Fox, as OPG paves the way for the next generation of nuclear power in Ontario.”
The Darlington New Nuclear Project is the only site in Canada with an accepted Environmental Assessment and site preparation licence, the first in a series of licences required to build a new nuclear generating facility.
Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the advancement of SMRs as a clean energy option to address climate change and regional energy demands, while supporting economic growth and innovation.
