Toronto — The Ontario government is hailing a federal regulator’s decision to grant a historic 20-year licence extension for the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, a move officials say will secure clean energy supply, medical isotope production, and thousands of jobs for decades to come.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has approved Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) application to continue operating the station through 2045. The decision marks the longest operating licence ever issued by the federal nuclear regulator.
A Cornerstone of Ontario’s Energy Plan
“Ontario has a proud legacy of operating the safest and most reliable nuclear facilities in the world,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines. “With energy demand set to rise significantly over the next 25 years, nuclear power remains the backbone of Ontario’s first-ever integrated energy plan to ensure our province has the energy it needs to power our homes, businesses and the most competitive economy in the G7.”
The government has framed nuclear energy as critical to its long-term energy strategy, which aims to address surging demand while maintaining system reliability and advancing decarbonization goals. Lecce emphasized that the CNSC’s decision “underscores the world-class safety and operational excellence of Ontario Power Generation.”
Sustaining Clean Energy and Skilled Jobs
The Darlington station, located east of Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario, has been a key contributor to Ontario’s electricity grid since the 1990s. Officials say the renewed licence will ensure the continued production of reliable, emissions-free power and support the station’s workforce of roughly 2,500 employees.
“This approval will allow the station to continue the safe production of reliable, clean power and support its 2,500 workers,” Lecce said. “This will also allow Darlington to continue producing life-saving medical isotopes to combat cancer and support Ontario’s goal to double medical isotope production by 2030.”
Medical isotopes produced at Darlington are used globally in diagnostic imaging and cancer treatments. Expanding this capability has become a provincial priority, with Ontario positioning itself as a leader in the sector as demand rises internationally.
Building Momentum for Nuclear Expansion
Beyond the licence renewal, the province is tying Darlington’s future to new investments in nuclear technology. The site is already home to construction of the G7’s first Small Modular Reactor (SMR), part of Ontario’s plan to expand nuclear capacity as energy needs increase.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, Ontario is leading the world by building the G7’s first Small Modular Reactor at the Darlington site, a nation-building project that will deliver clean energy and good jobs,” Lecce said. “This approval builds confidence in Ontario’s nuclear expansion and serves as a reminder that the federal government needs to come to the table in support of large-scale nuclear in Ontario.”
The government argues that expanding nuclear development will not only meet growing electricity demand but also contribute to economic growth. Lecce pointed to projections that nuclear expansion could generate over 10,000 jobs and add $235 billion to the Canadian economy.
“Now is the time for the federal government to double down on Ontario’s proven nuclear advantage so that we can get over 10,000 Canadians working and add $235 billion to the Canadian economy,” Lecce said.
Context for the Decision
The CNSC’s 20-year licence extension provides regulatory certainty for OPG as Ontario pursues both refurbishments and new-build projects. It comes at a time when global energy markets are under pressure from electrification trends, industrial demand, and climate targets.
Ontario has positioned nuclear power as indispensable to achieving its long-term energy security and emissions-reduction goals. With the Darlington licence secured, officials say the province is better placed to deliver on its integrated energy plan, balancing supply reliability with economic competitiveness.
