On April 4, 2025, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission has issued a power reactor construction licence to Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG) for 1 General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor at the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) site in Clarington, Ontario. This licence is valid until March 31, 2035. The licence includes 4 facility-specific licence conditions that, along with the standard licence conditions, will enable effective regulatory oversight of the licensed activities.
The Commission concluded that OPG is qualified to construct the reactor and will do so in a way that protects the health and safety of people and the environment. The decision was made by the Commission after considering submissions and perspectives received during a 2-part public hearing held virtually on October 2, 2024, and in person in Ajax, Ontario on January 8 to 10, 13 and 14, 2025.
The Commission concluded that it had fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to consult and accommodate Indigenous rights in respect of its decision on this matter. The CNSC focuses on continuous engagement and consultation with Indigenous Nations and groups before, during and after Commission proceedings in respect of licensed activities.
The record of decision, which contains the Commission’s rationale for its decision, is available upon request from the Commission Registry by contacting through email interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca. Once available in both official languages, the record of decision will be published on the CNSC website.