We're committed to providing reliable, emissions-free power to Saskatchewan people and businesses, while building economic growth and regional energy security. To achieve this, we’re exploring a range of low and non-carbon emitting power options, including nuclear power.
The Government of Saskatchewan has released Delivering Energy Security Through Nuclear Power, building on the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan. The plan outlines the province’s path forward for nuclear energy as part of a reliable, affordable and secure power future.
The plan sets a goal of producing at least 2,600 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power by 2050. This would help ensure Saskatchewan has the power needed to support a growing population, expanding industries and major investment projects while maintaining a reliable and affordable power system.
Rafferty Site Selected for Further SMR Study
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are the first step towards adding more reliable baseload power. One SMR can provide enough reliable power for up to 300,000 homes 24 hours a day, all year long.
We’ve selected the reactor technology and have now 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 SMR.
This is an important milestone in Saskatchewan. SMRs could provide reliable, emissions-free power while supporting economic growth, creating jobs and generating opportunities for Indigenous and local businesses.
The Rafferty site was identified as the preferred location because it has stable ground conditions, access to water and sufficient space to safely support nuclear development.
We'll continue to listen to the perspectives of nearby Indigenous Nations, municipalities and community members to better understand local priorities and how Nations want to be involved as the project moves forward.
We’re now moving into the development phase and undertaking additional analysis of the site, including detailed environmental, safety, cultural and technical studies. This work will help us meet Canada’s rigorous nuclear safety standards while building the expertise, processes and oversight required to operate nuclear facilities safely and responsibly.
We plan to submit an Initial Project Description to provincial and federal regulators to begin the regulatory and licensing process.
Planning for Large Nuclear Reactors
Large nuclear generation has provided safe and reliable power in Canada for more than 60-years and can offer a solution to meet Saskatchewan’s growing electricity demand, regional demand and exports.
We’re evaluating large nuclear reactor technologies and will begin planning for the potential development of large nuclear reactors in northwest Saskatchewan.
The next step is to review siting studies completed by Bruce Power in 2008 to determine what additional work is required to support a future siting decision. We'll engage with Indigenous Nations, local residents and other stakeholders to understand community perspectives and priorities.
Bringing a large nuclear reactor into service could take 15 to 20 years. Beginning this work now helps keep nuclear energy as an option to meet Saskatchewan’s future power needs.
Visit saskpower.com/engage to learn more and share your input.
Learn more about the development of SMRs in Saskatchewan:
View the map of all our projects underway.
