Ontario Power Generation begins federal approvals process for potential new nuclear units

"Today's application for a Site Preparation Licence at the Darlington site is the beginning of the federal approvals process," said OPG's President and CEO Jim Hankinson. "Our application follows direction by the Ontario Minister of Energy that we begin the federal approvals process for new nuclear units at an existing site."

Now that the licence application has been submitted, the CNSC will review the application and will determine the environmental assessment requirements.

"We believe Darlington is best suited for new nuclear development because there is room to build on the site; the site is adjacent to a major transmission corridor; and based on over 15 years of operating experience at the site we understand the environmental impacts of operating units at Darlington, and those impacts are well within Canadian standards," said Hankinson. "The host community of Clarington and the Region of Durham are also very supportive. In addition, we have a highly skilled workforce with many years of experience in operating nuclear units."