SaskPower launches review of large nuclear reactor option

SaskPower and the Saskatchewan government say they have begun a formal process to evaluate large nuclear reactor technologies as part of the province’s long-term electricity planning.

The review will run alongside SaskPower’s existing work on small modular reactors, or SMRs, as Saskatchewan looks to expand its supply of non-emitting power and meet growing demand in the coming decades.

Jeremy Harrison

Jeremy Harrison said the province’s Energy Security Strategy includes both SMRs and large-scale nuclear generation, using uranium produced in Saskatchewan.

Harrison said nuclear power, combined with expanded interprovincial transmission capacity, would help strengthen Saskatchewan’s energy security and position the province as a power exporter.

Nuclear generation has been used in Canada for more than 60 years and provides a reliable source of electricity without greenhouse-gas emissions.

SaskPower president and chief executive Rupen Pandya said the utility will work with experienced nuclear operators and continue engagement with Indigenous rightsholders, communities and businesses as it assesses the potential for large reactors in the province.

Pandya said bringing a large reactor into service would likely take 15 to 20 years, making early planning essential.

Before any construction could proceed, SaskPower would need to complete extensive regulatory reviews, site selection and public engagement.

SaskPower’s SMR project is continuing separately. The utility expects to identify a site for Saskatchewan’s first small modular reactor near Estevan later this year.