Commission hearing information: Licence to construct – Darlington New Nuclear Project
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will hold a 2-part Commission hearing to consider an application from Ontario Power Generation for its Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP).
The scope of the hearing includes the consideration for a licence to construct 1 BWRX-300 reactor facility under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
The proposed facility is on the site of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in the Municipality of Clarington, Ontario. The site is located on the traditional lands and waters of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg, the Gunshot Treaty (1877–88), the Williams Treaties (1923), and the Williams Treaties Settlement Agreement (2018).
- About the Commission hearing
- Commission-related documents
- Learn about OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project
- Learn about small modular reactors
- Regulation of small modular reactors
- Indigenous consultation and engagement
- Glossary of common terms
- Questions or comments
About the Commission hearing
The hearing for the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) will be held in 2 parts:
Part 1: October 2, 2024 (1 day only) |
Part 2: January 8, 2025 (number of days to be determined) |
Location
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Location
All those interested are welcome to attend and registration is not required |
Agenda Read the agenda for the Commission hearing (PDF, 196 KB) to learn more about the presentations |
Agenda Not available at this time |
What is a small modular reactor?
SMRs are a new class of nuclear reactors that are considerably smaller in size than traditional reactors and that may potentially supply power (usually less than 300 megawatt electric) to smaller electrical grids or remote, off-grid areas.
Watch this short video to learn more.
Commission-related documents
The following documents are related to the application, activities and Commission decisions for the DNNP:
Application for a licence to construct a reactor facility |
An application for a licence to construct is submitted by the licensee and reviewed by the CNSC. If the application is accepted, it becomes the reference safety case for the plant. |
Part 1 and Part 2: Notice of public hearing |
The notice includes information related to the purpose and scope of the hearing, participant funding, and interventions. |
Part 1: Agenda for the Commission hearing (PDF, 196 KB) Part 2: Not available at this time |
The agenda includes details regarding the date, time, location, oral presentations and written submissions. |
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Public Commission hearing documents Part 1: Download the hearing documents Part 2: |
Public Commission hearing documents that are submitted to Commission members prior to the hearing are available for download. The hearing documents can include:
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Recordings of the public hearing Part 1: Webcast recording – October 2, 2024 Part 2: Not available at this time |
The recording of the public Commission hearing webcast is available for download or it can be streamed online. For a verbatim capture of the remarks, please refer to the official transcript. A modern web browser with HTML5 video capability is required to view the recording. |
| Transcripts of the public hearing | Once the hearing has concluded, transcripts can be requested by sending an email to interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or calling 1-800-668-5284 (toll-free in Canada and the U.S.). Transcripts are provided only in the language in which the remarks were made during the Commission proceedings. |
Record of decision This will be available once the Commission has made its decision |
The Commission publishes a record of decision that outlines the issues, findings, conditions and its decision. |
Learn about OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project
OPG’s proposed DNNP is located on the site of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in the Municipality of Clarington, Ontario.
OPG is considering the construction and operation of up to 4 new SMRs at the existing Darlington site; however, the current application for a licence to construct is for 1 new nuclear reactor.
OPG currently holds a power reactor site preparation licence for the DNNP. The licence was renewed by the Commission in 2021.
On April 22, 2024, the CNSC announced the Commission’s decision that the existing environmental assessment for the DNNP is applicable to the reactor technology selected by Ontario Power Generation, the General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor.
- Proposed nuclear facility
Review the facility details, public engagement updates, licence applications, documents, and the protocol. - Project timeline
Learn more about the project milestones and status. - Reports and presentations
Review the various reports and presentations prepared by CNSC staff, available on the Open Government portal. - Webinars
Watch a recording of a webinar hosted by CNSC staff to learn more about the licensing review.
Learn about small modular reactors
What are SMRs and how small are they? Watch these videos to learn more.
Meet some of the CNSC specialists involved in the regulatory review process for potential SMRs. Watch these videos to learn more.
Interest in SMRs is growing across Canada. Learn about other proposed projects.
Regulation of small modular reactors
All nuclear reactor facilities, including small modular reactors (SMRs), are Class IA nuclear facilities under the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations. In regulating SMRs and new technologies, the CNSC can apply the same criteria used to regulate traditional reactor facilities. This will be done using a risk-informed approach, applying regulatory oversight that is in line with the risk associated with the regulated activity.
As the CNSC continues to prepare to regulate new nuclear reactors and SMRs, it is committed to keeping Canadians informed and to sharing information on new nuclear activities in Canada.
Learn how to participate in a public Commission hearing.
Indigenous consultation and engagement
The CNSC is working to transform how it works with Indigenous peoples by supporting their participation in regulatory activities and by consulting and building relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities.
The CNSC acknowledges that the DNNP is situated within the traditional lands and waters of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg, the Gunshot Treaty (1877-88), the Williams Treaties (1923), and the Williams Treaties Settlement Agreement (2018).
Learn more about Indigenous consultation and engagement and funding programs.
Glossary of common terms
On this page, common terms and abbreviations often associated with the DNNP and regulatory review are explained.
Questions or comments
For further information on the public Commission hearing process or to request documents, contact the Commission Registry by email at interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or by telephone at 343-542-8587 or 1-800-668-5284 (toll-free in Canada and the U.S.).
If you have a general inquiry or question about the CNSC’s involvement in the DNNP, email cnsc.info.ccsn@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or call 613-947-7516 or 1-800-668-5284 (toll-free in Canada and the U.S.).
If you are a member of the media, please contact:
Media Relations
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Tel: 613-996-6860
Email: mediarelations-relationsmedias@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
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