We've selected a site on the Rafferty Reservoir, near the City of Estevan, as the location for further study for the province’s first potential nuclear small modular reactors (SMR).
Early studies indicate the Rafferty site has stable ground conditions, a reliable water supply and the space needed to safely support up to two 315-megawatt (MW) SMRs.
We'll now undertake additional analysis of the site, including detailed environmental, safety, cultural and technical studies. The studies will help confirm the site can safely support a nuclear power plant and meet Canada's strict nuclear licensing requirements.
This will allow us to submit an Initial Project Description to provincial and federal regulators to begin the regulatory and licensing process.
We recognize that input from Rightsholders, nearby Indigenous Nations, municipalities and community members that live, work and play near the potential sites is critical to help guide our work.
Learn more about our upcoming events and share your priorities at saskpower.com/engage.
How We Selected a Site
When we started the siting process, we looked at regions across the province that could meet the requirements for the reactor technology we selected. We considered factors like a region’s proximity to:
- existing power infrastructure
- emergency services
- access to a workforce
Based on these factors, we selected 2 study regions to further evaluate – 1 near Estevan and 1 near Elbow.
Narrowing the Study Regions
From there we chose the 2 study regions, and we began to narrow in on specific areas within them that could work best to host a potential SMR facility.
Suitability Analysis
We identified areas of high and low suitability using over 50 criteria.
Land closer to water, transmission lines, highways, or larger communities is more suitable. Land near critical habitat, historic sites, or on unstable ground is less suitable.
Take a look at the Siting Indicator Workbooks below if you’re interested in learning more about look at the criteria and how it was used to help identify suitable land.
Water Intake Study
We identified the best stretches of shoreline to access water. Access to a body of water is a key consideration for siting an SMR which is needed for our chosen technology.
Regional Evaluation Process (REP)
We introduced a REP that helped improve our siting criteria and suitability analysis.
The process involved 4 committee workshops in each region. The committees had representatives from regional Indigenous groups, organizations, and stakeholders. It was a valuable way to engage with groups in each region on the siting process, and other aspects of the project.
All the REP materials are available to the public. You can read the REP Report, access documents and learn about the whole process at Regional Evaluation Process.
Tying it Together
To capture the combined results of the Suitability Analysis, Water Intake Study and REP, we created suitability maps and updated them along the way. The results of the Suitability Analysis are shaded in green and white:
- The darker the green, the more suitable the land.
- Areas in white are less suitable or not suitable at all.
- The black circles mark the findings from our Water Intake Study and identify areas where we could gain access to water.
- Elbow Suitability Map
- Estevan Suitability Map
