SASKATOON — SaskPower and the province of Saskatchewan have announced they will begin the process of formally evaluating large nuclear technologies for use in Saskatchewan.
At an announcement in Saskatoon, Minister Responsible for SaskPower Jeremy Harrison noted there had been some less formal discussions up to now, but now they were “formally initiating that technology selection process.” He said he was excited about the potential this has for the future of power generation in the province.
“This really is an enormous opportunity for this province. And as we move towards nuclear baseload generation, the home of over a quarter of the world's uranium supply here in this province, we want to see value added to that commodity from that mine site to the reactor that is actually going to be producing power. And I think there is enormous, enormous opportunity for Saskatchewan, which we have been working with partners on already. And I think we are already adding some value there. But there is a lot more that we can be doing. So we really look forward to the next number of months and years.”
SaskPower CEO Rupen Pandya said this “builds on the energy security strategy and will leverage our natural uranium resources to prepare for rising electricity demand and future export opportunities, which could generate revenue for our province.”
According to SaskPower, the technology selection process will take place in parallel with work already underway on SaskPower’s small modular reactor project.
Pandya called SMRs an “important first step towards adding more reliable baseload power,” but added that planning for large reactors “must begin now and prepare for the future.”
“It is important to recognize that large reactor projects typically take between 15 and 20 years from early planning to operation. That is why this work needs to begin in earnest today.”
Pandya said the process will begin by “learning from recent technology evaluations taking place in Ontario and the United Kingdom and around the world.” He also said SaskPower plans to work closely with Bruce Power in Ontario to “learn from their recent major planned expansions and their proven experience in delivering nuclear projects in comparable jurisdictions.”
He said the first step is to shortlist large nuclear reactor designs to determine the best fit for Saskatchewan. This evaluation could include what he called “proven technologies,” such as Westinghouse’s AP1000, EDF’s European Pressurized Reactor and CANDU reactor designs.
“All of these reactor designs are the latest the world has to offer,” Pandya said. “They incorporate modern safety systems and are held to the most stringent regulatory standards across the globe. This technology evaluation will be built on lessons learned from our recent SMR technology down-select process. Safety, cost, proven project delivery and technical fit such as water supply, site footprint and nuclear fuel supply will be taken into consideration as part of this evaluation.”
Equally important, he said, is “how this project could deliver lasting economic benefits to Saskatchewan, including building a local workforce and supply chains right here at home.”
Pandya said the target is to identify a preferred reactor design later this year. After that, he said, years of siting, regulatory work and “extensive engagement” with Indigenous rights holders and the public would be required before construction could begin.
Pandya reiterated that this work is happening alongside SaskPower’s existing small modular reactor project, “not instead of it.”
SaskPower remains fully committed to the SMR project and plans to choose a site near Estevan later this year for further detailed evaluation.
“SMRs are our first step while large reactors evaluation will support our long-term regional solution to power in Western Canada,” said Pandya.
“By taking the time now to carefully assess large reactor technologies, SaskPower is ensuring Saskatchewan has the information needed to make informed decisions about the future of power for all of us.”
