BOWMANVILLE, ONT. — Ontario is making a $1-billion investment in the country’s first grid-scale small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Darlington Nuclear Station, a project that government officials say will secure the province’s energy future, create thousands of jobs, and reinforce its position as a global clean energy leader.
The investment, drawn from the Building Ontario Fund, will support the construction of four SMRs — the first of their kind in the G7 — at Darlington in partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the federal government. Ottawa has committed an additional $2 billion through the Canada Growth Fund to advance the project. Once operational, the reactors will generate a combined 1,200 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, enough to power approximately 1.2 million homes.
“Today’s investment to support the first SMRs in the G7 is a down payment on Ontario’s nuclear energy future,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re protecting Ontario by supporting good-paying, long-term jobs for Ontario workers and building the energy infrastructure — including both SMRs and new, large-scale nuclear — needed to make Ontario an energy superpower.”
Historic Investment in Clean Energy
The Darlington New Nuclear Project represents one of the largest energy infrastructure initiatives in Canadian history. The provincial and federal contributions are designed to accelerate construction and attract private sector and Indigenous investment as part of a broader strategy to modernize Ontario’s energy grid and support its growing population and industries.
According to provincial estimates, the project will create 18,000 jobs during construction and sustain 3,700 jobs annually during operation. Over the next 65 years, the SMRs are expected to contribute $38.5 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The Darlington New Nuclear Project will create thousands of high-paying careers and power thousands of Ontario homes with clean energy,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney. “This is a generational investment that will build lasting security, prosperity and opportunities. We’re building big things to build Canada Strong.”
Construction on the first SMR began in May 2025, with completion targeted for 2030. Once operational, the Darlington site will serve as a model for future nuclear projects across Canada and internationally.
A Boost to Ontario’s Supply Chain
The project is expected to generate $500 million annually in economic activity across the Canadian supply chain. The province has worked with OPG to ensure that 80 per cent of project spending remains within Ontario, supporting local industries such as steel manufacturing and engineering services.
“With rising instability in the global economy, now is exactly the time to be building big, creating thousands of jobs, and investing in the Canadian nuclear supply chain,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Ontario’s leading the largest nuclear expansion on the continent, anchored by the G7’s first SMR being built at Darlington. Our government secured a commitment to keep at least 80 per cent of the SMR construction in Ontario — supporting our workers, technology sector and economy.”
Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, said the investment underscores the province’s commitment to building a resilient and self-reliant economy. “Through the Building Ontario Fund, we are investing in this nation-building project that will secure the clean, reliable energy our growing province needs while creating thousands of good-paying jobs for Ontario workers.”
Building for the Next Generation
The Darlington New Nuclear Project complements ongoing refurbishments at the Darlington, Pickering, and Bruce Power nuclear stations. The province is also exploring additional sites, including OPG’s Wesleyville property in Port Hope, which could host up to 10,000 MW of emissions-free power. Pre-development work is also underway with Bruce Power to site the first large-scale nuclear build in over three decades, adding up to 4,800 MW of new generation capacity.
Local representatives welcomed the project’s potential to drive regional growth. “I am proud to see the Clarington community playing a central role in Ontario’s landmark nuclear expansion,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “This project will deliver significant economic benefits locally and to the surrounding Durham Region, creating thousands of high-skilled, well-paying jobs and strengthening our local workforce.”
Adrian Foster, Mayor of Clarington, said the investment reinforces the municipality’s reputation as a leader in clean energy. “Clarington is proud to be a leading nuclear host community. This milestone — backed by strong, meaningful partnerships across all levels of government — advances Canada’s global leadership in peaceful nuclear innovation, while generating jobs, expanding opportunity and driving sustainable progress nationwide and beyond.”
Industry Leadership and Innovation
OPG President and CEO Nicolle Butcher said the project builds on the organization’s track record of safety and efficiency. “This historic financing commitment marks a pivotal step forward for the Darlington New Nuclear Project and for Ontario and Canada’s clean energy future. Together with our partners, OPG will use the many lessons learned from our successful Darlington Refurbishment project, which remains ahead of schedule and on budget, to ensure we deliver the G7’s first grid-scale SMR, with the same efficiency and safety.”
Michael Fedchyshyn, CEO of the Building Ontario Fund, called the project a defining moment for the fund’s mandate. “This is a watershed moment for Building Ontario Fund and demonstrates our catalytic role in financing large-scale infrastructure projects. The transaction opens new investment opportunities in the province’s energy sector and will boost competitiveness, drive job creation and support innovation across the industrial base.”
Strengthening Ontario’s Energy Future
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) recently extended OPG’s operating licence at Darlington through 2045, the longest ever issued by the regulator, affirming the site’s world-class safety standards.
As Ontario faces rising energy demands and global economic uncertainty, the Darlington SMR project stands as a cornerstone of the province’s long-term plan to ensure energy reliability, economic resilience, and clean growth — positioning Ontario as a leader in nuclear innovation within the G7 and beyond.
