Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his satisfaction with the federal government’s inclusion of small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Darlington nuclear generating station on a list of "nation-building" projects slated for expedited approval. This move signals federal support for a project Ford views as crucial for Canada’s economic future and technological leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pleased that Darlington’s SMR project is on the federal government’s list of "nation-building" projects.
- The federal government aims to streamline approvals for five key projects, including the Darlington SMR initiative.
- The Darlington New Nuclear Project is already underway, with construction of the first SMR beginning.
- This project positions Canada as a potential global leader in SMR technology.
- Environmental groups have raised concerns about the cost, safety, and timelines associated with SMRs.
Federal Support for Darlington SMRs
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently unveiled a list of five projects prioritized for swift federal approval, with the Darlington SMR initiative being a prominent feature. Ford emphasized the importance of building and accelerating such projects, particularly in light of economic pressures. He stated that with "shovels already in the ground," Ontario welcomes the federal government’s backing and anticipates similar streamlined approvals for other large-scale nuclear facilities planned by the province.
Project Significance and Potential
The federal government highlighted that this project could make Canada the first G7 nation to operate an SMR. Upon completion, the first SMR at Darlington is projected to generate 300 megawatts of power, sufficient for approximately 300,000 homes. The project is also expected to create 200 high-paying jobs, in addition to the 1,600 jobs during its construction phase. The federal government believes the project has the potential to establish Canada as a global leader in SMR technology, with exports possible as early as 2030.
Local Impact and Global Attention
Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster lauded the project’s significance for the local economy and the nuclear industry. He noted that the community has long benefited from nuclear-related jobs and is already experiencing the project’s impact, with international delegations visiting to observe the SMR development. "The world is paying attention to what is happening right here right now," Foster remarked.
Environmental Concerns
However, not all reactions have been positive. Tim Gray, executive director of Environmental Defence, expressed skepticism, labeling SMRs as an "expensive, potentially dangerous, unproven" technology. He argued that cheaper and more readily available clean energy alternatives exist, questioning the rationale behind prioritizing nuclear projects with long timelines, high costs, and significant risks.
