Regulatory hold points for new reactor facilities

Licensees are required to adhere to regulatory hold points (RHPs) established during the licensing process for new reactor facilities.

RHPs for new reactor facilities primarily focus on the analysis and design of structures, systems and components that are important to safety.

Mandatory checkpoints

RHPs are established by the Commission during a licensing proceeding and may vary depending on the type of facility and the licensing phase of the project.

Darlington New Nuclear Project

The licence to construct 1 BWRX-300 reactor issued to Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG) for its Darlington New Nuclear Project includes 3 regulatory hold points (RHPs):

1. Installation of the reactor building foundation
   • The removal of this RHP would authorize OPG to place the foundation for the reactor building and commence civil construction of the reactor building structure, internal civil structures, and internal reactor building systems and components.
2. Installation of the reactor pressure vessel
   • The removal of this RHP would authorize OPG to install the reactor pressure vessel and associated structures and components, as well as to complete the appropriate installations of critical components, and conduct limited component testing.
3. Fuel-out commissioning
   • The removal of this RHP would authorize OPG to conduct full-scale testing and commissioning of installed structures, systems, and components.

The CNSC has verified that OPG has met all of the commitments it was required to meet for the removal of RHP-1. The hold point has been removed.

Read the CNSC letter to OPG

For further updates related to the project and its RHPs, visit the Darlington New Nuclear Project facility page.

Related links

• Regulatory hold points for facility refurbishments
• The Commission