Pipeline Online: Intertie plan points to large nuclear reactors
By Brian Zinchuk
Major plans to expand Canada’s electricity grid could signal that Saskatchewan is preparing to build large-scale nuclear reactors and become a net exporter of power to Western Canada.
Following discussions at the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference in Yellowknife, federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced Ottawa will prioritize financial and regulatory support for several major transmission projects, including a significant expansion of the Saskatchewan-Manitoba intertie.
The proposal would increase transfer capacity along the Regina-Winnipeg corridor by up to two gigawatts, far exceeding the province’s current intertie capability. Other projects include upgrades to the Alberta-Saskatchewan intertie, improvements to the Alberta-B.C. connection, a Yukon-B.C. transmission line and expanded Maritime connections. Ottawa also pledged continued support through tax credits, infrastructure funding and a new federal-provincial framework for transmission planning.
“It’s simple: intertie projects build Canada Strong,” Hodgson said, adding that stronger electrical connections will improve reliability, affordability and national energy security.
Saskatchewan welcomes announcement
In an emailed statement, Saskatchewan Crown Investments Corporation Minister and SaskPower Minister Jeremy Harrison said the announcement aligns with the province’s long-term energy strategy.
“Today’s announcement on electricity transmission, together with the federal government’s recent commitment to advancing nuclear energy, is welcome news,” Harrison said.
He said expanded transmission and nuclear generation would allow Saskatchewan to power its own growing economy while exporting electricity across Western Canada, strengthening energy security and attracting investment.
SaskPower critic Aleana Young also welcomed the federal commitment but argued Saskatchewan needs a broader mix of generation.
In a LinkedIn post, Young said stronger interties are essential but must be matched with investments in natural gas, renewable power and nuclear generation.
She criticized the Saskatchewan Party’s coal strategy, saying the province needs affordable, reliable and flexible electricity to capitalize on future economic opportunities.
What it could mean
The proposed two-gigawatt Saskatchewan-Manitoba expansion has prompted speculation about the province’s nuclear plans.
Current wind and solar projects would not require that level of export capacity. Instead, the figure closely matches the output of two conventional 1,000-megawatt nuclear reactors, such as CANDU Monark or Westinghouse AP1000 designs.
Premier Scott Moe recently suggested Saskatchewan’s long-term nuclear future may increasingly involve large-scale reactors rather than only small modular reactors.
If that direction is confirmed, construction could begin later than originally planned because of additional licensing and planning requirements. However, larger reactors would provide substantially more generating capacity, investment and employment than SMRs.
The Alberta-Saskatchewan intertie upgrade would also increase transfer capacity by about 250 megawatts through improvements to the McNeill converter station near Medicine Hat. The added capacity would improve reliability and allow greater electricity trading between the provinces, particularly during periods of surplus renewable generation in Alberta.
Taken together, the projects would move Canada closer to a national energy corridor linking provincial electricity systems while supporting Saskatchewan’s growing role in Western Canada’s power network.
Source: Pipeline Online