SaskPower has selected Calian to provide engineering and other technical services to support the planning and project development work required to maintain nuclear power from small modular reactors (SMR) as a potential zero emissions power source after 2030.

“SaskPower looks forward to working with Calian as they provide a breadth of experience and expertise in the small modular reactor industry; expertise that’s required to maintain SMRs as a potential generation option into the future,” said Mike Marsh, President and CEO at SaskPower. “Calian’s experience will be invaluable in the months and years ahead.” 

During the competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process that ran from April 9 until April 30, 2021, 12 proposals were evaluated. Proposals were evaluated on a number of factors including local and community benefits and future growth in Saskatchewan. Ottawa-based Calian was awarded a one-year contract, and this contract may be extended for up to an additional four-years (in one-year increments). 

While the planning phase work is underway, a final decision on whether to construct an SMR will not be made until the late 2020’s leading to a potential commercial operating date for the first SMR unit in the early- to mid-2030’s.

SaskPower is on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% from 2005 levels by 2030. Looking ahead, SaskPower is evaluating the range of available and emerging low emissions power supply options to achieve net zero emissions from our generation fleet by 2050. 

For more information on SaskPower’s plans, visit saskpower.com/futuresupply.

At a glance...

• SaskPower has selected Calian to provide technical services 
• 12 proposals were evaluated based on several factors throughout an RFP process that ran from April 9 to April 30, 2021
• Calian was awarded a one-year contract with the option for additional renewals
• More information about SaskPower’s plans can be found at saskpower.com/futuresupply