Legislative Report
May 5, 2022

Exploration of Small Modular Reactors Continues

Saskatchewan is in a position of immense opportunity. Our Growth Plan has goals and actions to attract more jobs, people and investment. We have been fortunate to see major achievements already, with the 2020s shaping up to be Saskatchewan’s decade.

As we work to ensure the growth is sustainable for future generations, our government is exploring the future of energy production. We are promoting Saskatchewan-made innovations, supporting investment in our economy and partnering with other provinces to make advancements in clean technology.

With a growing population and economy comes a need for safe, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy production. We have been working with the governments of Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick to evaluate the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors, or SMRs.

Currently, fossil fuels generate 76 per cent of our electricity here in Saskatchewan. SMRs are one way to help meet customer demand for reliable power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This evaluation process takes time, and we do not expect a final decision on whether to build SMRs in Saskatchewan for several years. Properly engaging with Indigenous rights holders, stakeholders, and the public is a large part of this process.

Extensive planning will ensure the safe, responsible deployment and operation of this new source of emissions-free electricity that our growing province needs. If this new technology meets those criteria, the industry could put Saskatchewan at the forefront of nuclear research and innovation.

One of the major benefits of SMRs is that they can provide a baseload of sustainable, clean electricity to large, small and even remote off-grid communities or industrial sites. They are scalable, meaning they can be designed to support the immediate area or easily expanded to support the provincial electrical supply. A 300 Megawatt SMR can generate enough electricity each year to supply 300,000 homes. SMRs would complement renewable energy sources such as wind, solar or hydro, creating a reliable power network.

Additionally, this technology will utilize more Saskatchewan products. Northern Saskatchewan has large quantities of the best uranium on the planet. The world is already looking to our province for this natural resource. By utilizing SMRs here at home, there is an opportunity to grow the industry further.

The proposed SMRs have the potential to create thousands of new jobs in mining, construction, facility operations, nuclear and non-nuclear supply chains, and research and development. Many of these new career opportunities will be in Northern Saskatchewan, creating billions of dollars in economic benefits.

Exploring the possibilities of reactor use is nothing new to our province. The Saskatchewan Research Council has been involved in this field for over four decades. The SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor was first commissioned in 1981 and was a tool for neutron analysis. Over that time, the reactor showed that nuclear technology is safe, reliable and sustainable.

Exploring SMRs will build on the research and development gained from operating the SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor. This is an opportunity to create and promote an entire industry from start to finish. We will continue to explore this exciting new field with a keen eye on safety, environmental impact and meeting the needs of our province. This is just one of the many fields in Saskatchewan’s expanding and diversifying economy.

Saskatchewan is growing, and our need for reliable utilities is on the rise. Our government is committed to exploring new ideas and innovations that everyone can benefit from. These advancements draw new industries to the province, creating more jobs and strengthening our communities.