Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has submitted an application for a licence to operate the first small modular reactor (SMR) unit at its Darlington new-build site to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), the company said on social media.

The CNSC confirmed the development, saying the application covers a 20-year licence to operate one BWRX-300 reactor unit and in associated low- and intermediate-level waste storage structure.

The application is subject to a decision by the CNSC following a public hearing, to be announced later, the CNSC said.