Canada’s Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced at the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris that it is partnering with Canada’s Cameco, Urenco USA, France’s Orano and US-based Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas to ensure a fuel supply for the first small modular reactor (SMR) unit of its four-unit Darlington New Nuclear Project.
OPG is building North America’s first fleet of SMRs at Darlington with the first SMR planned to be completed by the end of 2028, and online by the end of 2029. “Ontario is moving quickly as we deploy the first grid-scale small modular reactor in Canada and the G7 to meet our province's growing energy demands,” said Ontario Minister of Energy Todd Smith. “I'm pleased to see OPG reach this important agreement with Cameco, Urenco, Orano and Global Nuclear Fuel to use Saskatchewan uranium, enriched by our allies in the US and France, to power the unit when it turns on.”
Cameco, which has uranium mines in Saskatchewan and a Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) conversion facility in Port Hope, will supply natural UF6. Urenco USA (UUSA) will provide uranium enrichment services from their operations in Eunice, New Mexico.Orano will provide additional Enriched Uranium Product (EUP) from their operations in France. Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas, a GE-led joint venture, will provide fuel fabrication and related technical services and fuel assemblies.
“Access to clean energy at large scale is becoming a key determinant of a country’s competitiveness and security,” said OPG President & CEO Ken Hartwick,. “Because of our leadership in nuclear generation and supply chains, Ontario and Canada are well-positioned to work with companies from like-minded ally nations to send an important message to the world that a safe, secure, clean global energy system is achievable through nuclear power.”
Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade & Economic Development said Canada has capabilities across the full spectrum of nuclear technologies, “and we’re developing new technologies like SMRs to continue leading the way”. She added: “Securing nuclear fuel supply chains like this will ensure the continued growth of Canada’s nuclear industry, so that it can continue providing good well-paying jobs for Canadians.”
Image: OPG and partners announce their fuel supply collaboration for Darlington's first SMR unit
