Ontario and US Partner on Small Nuclear Reactors in Climate-Friendly Initiative

Strategic Insights -

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) are collaborating on a groundbreaking project to develop small nuclear reactors. This partnership aims to create a carbon-free electrical future and contribute to the fight against climate change. The collaboration involves design, supply chains, construction, and licensing, with the goal of building identical 300-megawatt General Electric-Hitachi boiling water reactors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership between Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is focused on developing small modular reactors (SMRs) for a carbon-free electrical future.
  • The OPG and TVA will build identical 300-megawatt General Electric-Hitachi boiling water reactors, with Ontario's unit at the Darlington nuclear generating plant and the TVA's in Clinch River, Tennessee.
  • Ontario's SMR development is ahead of schedule due to its existing site license at Darlington, which has the potential to produce electricity for remote communities, major manufacturing facilities, or small cities.
  • The cost of the project is expected to be several billion dollars, with a significant workforce created during development, construction, and operation.
  • The Technology's hydroelectric and renewable energy sources could complement the mix of power generation sources, addressing gaps left by the closure of fossil fuel plants.
  • Renewable energy is predicted to rise to double between now and 2050 due to surging demand for electricity in the electric system.

Statistics:

  • The partnership aims to build identical 300-megawatt General Electric-Hitachi boiling water reactors.
  • The project costs are expected to be several billion dollars.
  • 700 jobs will be created during development, 1,600 jobs during construction, and 200 jobs during operation.
  • OPG hopes to have its small reactor in operation in 2028, while TVA is expected to have its operating by 2032.
  • The U.S. electric system is predicted to double between now and 2050 due to the increasing demand for electricity.

Sources:

  • Rob Ferguson, Queen's Park Bureau
  • Rob Ferguson, Queen's Park Bureau