Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission's decision that the existing environmental assessment (EA) for the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) is applicable to the reactor technology selected by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), the General Electric Hitachi BWRX‑300 reactor.
The Commission further concluded that it had fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous rights in respect of its decision making on the applicability of the EA for the DNNP to the selected technology.
It is important to note that this decision does not authorize the construction of a BWRX‑300 reactor for the DNNP. The Commission will hold a future public hearing to consider OPG's application for a licence to construct one BWRX‑300 reactor at the Darlington nuclear site.
The DNNP is a proposed project from OPG for the site preparation, construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of up to 4 new nuclear reactors at its existing Darlington nuclear site in the Municipality of Clarington, Ontario. This site is located on the traditional territory of the Wendat, Anishinabek Nation, and the territory covered by the Williams Treaties with the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations. On October 31, 2022, OPG applied to the CNSC for a licence to construct. Before it could consider OPG's application, the Commission was required to determine whether the chosen technology was fundamentally different from the technologies assessed in the EA, and whether a new EA was required.
As a lifecycle regulator, the CNSC focuses on continuous engagement and consultation with Indigenous Nations before, during and after Commission proceedings for CNSC activities. The Commission gave careful consideration to all submissions and perspectives received in a public hearing held between January 23 and 25, 2024. [SC1]
