Small nuclear reactors could provide power to Saskatchewan by 2032

A feasibility study suggests that the use of small nuclear reactors (SMRs) to support electricity production could be a possibility in Saskatchewan by 2032.

The premiers of New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta held a virtual news conference on April 14 to release the study that the power utility companies of Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan put together. With the addition of Alberta to the memorandum of understanding (MOU), all provinces involved have agreed to collaborate on the advancement of SMRs as a clean energy option to address climate change and meeting regional energy demands while supporting economic growth and innovation.

The SMR Feasibility Study, requested in December 2019 as part of the MOU, concludes that the development of this technology would support domestic energy needs, curb greenhouse gas emissions and position Canada as a global leader in this emerging technology, a news release explained.

SMRs are nuclear reactors that produce roughly 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity. They can support large established grids, small grides, remote off-grid communities and resource projects.

“[The] announcement confirms the commitment to our provinces to advancing SMRs as a clean energy option, leveraging the strength and knowledge of each of our jurisdictions,” Premier Scott Moe said.

“This study confirms the feasibility of small modular reactors in Canada and outlines a path forward to deploy this new, clean, safe, reliable and competitively priced power. This new technology will help attract investment, create high-skilled jobs and contribute to our growing economy.”

The study identifies three streams of SMR project proposals for consideration by Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, a news release said.

Stream 1 proposes a first grid-scale SMR project of roughly 300 MW constructed in Ontario by 2028. Subsequent units would follow in Saskatchewan, with the first SMR projected to be in service by 2032.

Stream 2 involves two fourth-generation, advanced small modular reactors developed in New Brunswick through the construction of demonstration units. By fostering collaboration among the various research, manufacturing, federal and provincial agencies, an initial ARC Clean Energy demonstration unit could be ready by 2030. Moltex Energy Inc.’s waste recycling centre and reactor are preparing to be ready by the early 2030s, the news release said. Through ongoing support and collaboration, these advanced technologies could be deployed as early as 2030 to support the industrial needs of Saskatchewan, Alberta and around the globe.

Stream 3 proposes a new class of micro-SMRs designed primarily to replace the use of diesel in remote communities and mines. A five MW, gas-cooled demonstration project is underway at Chalk River, Ont., with plans to be in service by 2026.

The report identifies the potential for all three streams to create employment and economic growth benefits for Canada and opportunities to export technology and expertise to address global issues such as climate change and energy reliability, the news release said. The next action is to develop a joint strategic plan, to be drafted in collaboration by the four provincial governments. It is expected to be completed this spring.

“The partner provinces will continue to work together and across the nuclear industry, to help ensure Canada remains at the forefront of nuclear innovation while creating new opportunities for jobs, economic growth, innovation and a lower-carbon future,” the news release added.