The Ontario government made an announcement today that it says will help stabilize electricity prices for the long-term, create jobs, and move the province closer to net-zero emissions.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was in Clarington today to mark the beginning of site preparation for Canada’s first grid-scale modular reactor at the Darlington nuclear site.
Energy Minister Todd Smith joined the Premier to mark the milestone. Smith says the reactor will attract more investment in the province’s economy. According to the Ministry of Energy, the reactor will be the province’s first nuclear reactor built in a generation.
In March of this year, Niagara-based E.S. Fox was awarded the contract to deliver the early site preparation work. This work will include water supply, electrical power, information technology, and road services.
Currently, around 60% of Ontario’s daily power usage comes from nuclear plants. The government says nuclear power will be the “backbone” of Ontario electricity in years to come as the province looks to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
According to a 2020 study by the Conference Board of Canada, once open, the new Darlington plant would employ 200 people during operations and 2300 during planning and development.
It’s scheduled to be completed by 2028.
1 дек 2022
