Pipeline Online: SK-AB-NWT MOU on nuclear power and interties
By Brian Zinchuk
PipelineOnline.ca
Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Northwest Territories are partnering to strengthen grid reliability through nuclear energy and electricity interconnections, with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Sept. 14 in Toronto during the inaugural Canada Investment Summit.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, and NWT Premier R.J. Simpson sign the electricity MOU on Sept. 14. Government of Saskatchewan photo
The MOU between Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Northwest Territories is to establish a framework for the three jurisdictions to advance collaboration and information-sharing related to nuclear generation technologies, including large-scale nuclear reactors, small modular reactors and microreactors and to enhance regional transmission infrastructure between Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
“As electricity demand continues to grow across Western Canada and the North, the three governments recognize the importance of working together to leverage nuclear technology and intertie infrastructure. The partnership will support reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity systems while enabling economic development and strengthening regional energy security,” said a Government of Saskatchewan release.
“Reliable and affordable electricity is essential to economic growth and energy security,” Premier Scott Moe said. “By partnering with Alberta and the Northwest Territories, we can explore opportunities to advance nuclear energy, strengthen regional transmission connections and support the long-term resiliency of our electricity systems.”
The release said the MOU is guided by three shared priorities: strengthening the security, reliability, and long-term affordability of electricity systems; supporting the evaluation of nuclear technologies as an economical pathway to carbon-neutral electricity generation; and exploring opportunities to enhance electricity transmission infrastructure across the region. The agreement respects the unique energy needs and priorities of each jurisdiction while providing a framework for ongoing collaboration.
“Alberta’s economy is growing, and we need more reliable power to keep that growth going,” Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith said. “Nuclear energy has enormous potential to provide dependable power for our homes and businesses and support the continued growth of our energy sector. By working with Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, we can strengthen connections between our electricity grids and explore new opportunities to deliver reliable, affordable power across the region.”
Under the agreement, the three governments will collaborate on a range of priorities, including nuclear reactor technology selection and development, financing approaches, environmental assessment processes, regulatory and federal approval pathways, uranium fuel supply and transportation, and nuclear waste management.
To support these goals, the parties will also work together on new and expanded interties to improve the flow of electricity between all three jurisdictions. Stronger regional interconnections will support the integration of a variety of generation technologies, including nuclear, natural gas, hydro, wind, solar, natural gas and battery storage, to further enhance energy security, reliability, and stabilize costs.
Notably, in June, the federal government announced a series of expansions of interties between provinces. The intertie between Alberta and Saskatchewan is expected to be beefed up by 250 megawatts from the current 150 megawatts to a total of 400 megawatts.
“Reliable and affordable energy is essential to the future of the Northwest Territories,” Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson said. “Stronger connections between our electricity grids could create real opportunities for the North. With new generation opportunities close to the NWT’s southern border currently being examined, we need to understand what that could mean for us and how we can benefit. This agreement will help us work with our neighbours, share information and explore potential grid connections, while positioning the NWT to take advantage of new energy opportunities in the region.”
Quick Facts
In March 2026, Saskatchewan signed a first-of-its-kind interprovincial-territorial Partnership Agreement on Transmission Interties aimed at building a national energy corridor.
Saskatchewan previously entered an MOU with Alberta in 2024 to advance the development of nuclear generation, industrial decarbonization and enhance grid capabilities.
In March 2022, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick released a joint strategic plan outlining each province’s plan for small modular reactors and conventional nuclear development.