Advancing Clean Energy: Ontario’s Darlington New Nuclear Project and the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor
Welcome to the IEEE Second Presentation Series on Nuclear Energy. This webinar series examines the evolving role of nuclear energy in achieving global sustainability and energy security objectives. The sessions highlight current developments, opportunities, barriers, and present and future pathways across the nuclear sector.
Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) is at the forefront of deploying Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology in Canada, anchored by the GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300. As North America’s first commercial, grid-scale SMR, DNNP plans up to four units totaling 1,200 MW. The project introduces advanced safety features, including natural circulation cooling, integral isolation valves, and passive heat removal, while supporting thousands of jobs and boosting Ontario’s economy. A collaboration between OPG, GE Vernova Hitachi, AtkinsRéalis, and Aecon-Kiewit, DNNP strengthens Ontario’s clean energy leadership and sets a model for SMR deployment globally. With construction underway, DNNP will help meet rising electricity demand, advance electrification, and deliver reliable, carbon-free power, showcasing nuclear innovation’s vital role in climate action and economic growth.
A live Q&A with registered attendees will follow the presentation. Please visit our website at bit.ly/nuclear_series2 for additional details. Recorded webinars will be posted there shortly thereafter for free on-demand viewing.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
-
Add Event to Calendar
Loading virtual attendance info...
- Starts 16 March 2026 04:00 AM UTC
- Ends 01 April 2026 04:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Michael Takla of Ontario Power Generation
Presented by: Michael Takla, P.Eng, Engineering Manager, Ontario Power Generation
Biography:
Michael Takla earned his Bachelor of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, in 2017. He currently serves as the Owners Engineering Manager for Units 2 through 4 on the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) at Ontario Power Generation, which is advancing the deployment of four BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs). In this role, he provides leadership and oversight for the design, procurement, and construction phases associated with the licensing and development of Units 2, 3, and 4, as well as the common site infrastructure.
Prior to this position, Michael specialized in regulatory compliance, focusing on grid-side regulations in alignment with NERC and NPCC standards. His engineering expertise encompasses experience in plant electrical engineering supporting hydroelectric facilities across Ontario, along with managing the main power output systems and grid connection projects for the DNNP.
Michael has contributed to the development of the SMR revision of the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series publication, Electric Grid Reliability and Interface with Nuclear Power Plants (NG-T-3.8). He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario and an active member of the IEEE.
Event Moderator: Maike Luiken
Event Moderator: Maike Luiken, PhD, SMIEEE, IEEE-HKN, FEIC, FCAE, is managing director, R&D at Carbovate Development Corp., and Adjunct Research Professor, Western University, Canada.