Darlington's first small modular reactor will miss 2030 date and $7.7-billion estimate

Ontario Power Generation says the first of four small modular reactors at its Darlington site will miss its October 2030 in-service date and exceed its $7.7-billion estimated cost. The utility disclosed the problems Tuesday in regulatory and financial filings but did not say how large the overrun or delay will be; an assessment is expected by mid-2027. OPG cited ongoing engineering by reactor designer GE Vernova Hitachi, which pointed to wider factors including inflation and geopolitical risks. The $20.9-billion project is the first small modular reactor under construction in a G7 country and is part of Ontario's long-term power plans.