Saskatchewan’s nuclear power planning is progressing. We’re continuing to advance planning for small modular reactors (SMRs), while also exploring large nuclear as a potential future power option. Learn more about the progress we’ve made and what’s coming next.
Our SMR Progress
We’re in a multi-year planning phase for the development of nuclear power from SMRs in Saskatchewan. Although we won’t make a final investment decision to build a small modular reactor facility until 2029, we must plan now if we want SMRs to be an option in the mid-2030s.
To help, we’ve received federal funding to cover some of the costs of this planning.
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
- joined the CANDU Owner’s group to leverage technical, regulatory and research expertise from other Canadian nuclear utilities and international nuclear organizations
- joined Conexus Nuclear Inc. (previously called the CANDU Owners Group), World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) to leverage technical, regulatory and research expertise from other Canadian nuclear utilities and international nuclear organizations.
- created a nuclear subsidiary called SaskNuclear Incorporated to advance the province’s SMR project through the regulatory and licensing process.
What's Next for SMRs
As we move forward with SMR planning, our next steps will focus on further studying the selected site, advancing regulatory and licensing work and continuing engagement.
- Selected a site on the Rafferty Reservoir near the City of Estevan as the location for further study to potentially host up to 2 SMRs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Secure 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
Planning for Large Nuclear
Planning for large nuclear is in the early stages as we explore what this option could look like in Saskatchewan.
- We're currently evaluating large nuclear reactor technologies for potential future deployment in Saskatchewan.
- We'll review studies completed by Bruce Power in 2008 to determine what additional work is needed to explore potential nuclear sites in north-west Saskatchewan.
- Once we begin looking at potential nuclear sites in the northwest, we’ll engage Indigenous Nations in the area, as well as other residents, to understand local perspectives.
Have Your Say
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.
