We’re in a multi-year planning phase for the development of nuclear power from small modular reactors (SMRs) in Saskatchewan. If we want SMRs to be an option in the mid-2030s, we need to plan now.
To help, we’ve applied for federal funding to cover some of the costs of this planning.
Our Progress So Far
In 2019, we began evaluating the feasibility of SMRs in Saskatchewan. And with that, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and Alberta signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU allows us to work alongside other provinces as we strive to achieve net-zero emissions as soon as possible. Nuclear power from SMRs could ensure reliable power, available 24/7 for Saskatchewan.
And as part of this feasibility stage, we’ve:
- conducted feasibility research with other utilities across Canada
- contributed to Canada’s SMR Road Map and Action Plan
The planning phase is underway. So far, we’ve:
- established an internal team to develop nuclear power from SMRs as a supply option
- contracted for expertise from Canada’s existing nuclear industry
- completed a 4-year process to evaluate specific SMR designs and selected the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 technology
- gathered technical criteria to identify study areas for the first potential site
- Signed Master Service Agreement with Ontario Power Generation and their subsidiary Laurentis Energy Partners to advance SMR development project
The information we gather during the planning phase, will help us make future decisions. This includes whether to build nuclear power in Saskatchewan. A decision on whether or not to build an SMR won’t be made until 2029.
Next Steps
We expect the planning phase to take about 8 years. There are several things we need to do during this planning work, including:
- Ongoing Indigenous, stakeholder, customer and public engagement
- Environmental, social, economic and Indigenous impact assessments as required by federal and provincial regulators
- Assessing the study areas to determine which location could be the best fit to host a potential nuclear facility
- Securing 3 different licences from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
- a Licence to Prepare the Site
- a Licence to Construct an SMR
- a Licence to Operate an SMR
Check out our project schedule:
Learn more about what we’ve heard so far from communities around Saskatchewan.
We’d also love to hear your thoughts and questions about nuclear in Saskatchewan. You can join the conversation online any time.
