Ontario Breaks Ground on G7’s First Small Modular Reactor: A Milestone for Energy and Jobs

May 22, 2025

Today, Minister Stephen Lecce, along with MPPs Rudy Cuzzetto, Peter Bethlenfalvy, and Todd McCarthy, announced the launch of construction for the first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in the G7, to be built at the Darlington nuclear site.

As Ontario’s energy demand is expected to rise by 75% by 2050, this project will be a cornerstone of Ontario’s clean energy expansion. Once operational, the four SMRs will generate reliable, emissions-free electricity for 1.2 million homes for the next 65 years.

The Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) is projected to:

• Create up to 18,000 construction jobs
• Add 3,700 permanent high-paying positions
• Inject $500M annually into Ontario’s economy
• Contribute $38.5B to Canada’s GDP

With over $1B already secured in foreign contracts, Ontario’s leadership in nuclear innovation is gaining global recognition. Built with over 80% Ontario-made components and led by Canadian workers, this project positions Ontario as a global clean energy leader—delivering jobs, investment, and long-term energy security.

News Release:

EN: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005889/ontario-leads-the-g7-by-building-first-small-modular-reactor

FR: https://news.ontario.ca/fr/release/1005889/lontario-montre-la-voie-au-g7-en-construisant-le-premier-petit-reacteur-modulaire