Saskatchewan Nuclear Expansion
Saskatchewan plans a 2,600-megawatt nuclear expansion to meet rising industrial and residential power demand.
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Saskatchewan plans to make nuclear power a major part of its electricity supply, targeting at least 2,600 megawatts of generation by 2050 to meet rising demand and support population and industrial growth. The proposed buildout includes a 600-megawatt small modular reactor near Estevan and two large reactors, each capable of producing about 1,000 megawatts; the first large reactor could come online by 2042. SaskPower will assess potential sites and consult affected communities, while the location of the large reactors and the projects’ financing remain undecided. Nuclear power is intended to complement the province’s existing mix of coal, wind, solar, hydro and natural gas, alongside storage and efficiency measures.
Key Points
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Premier Scott Moe said the province may need even more electricity than the plan targets: “We’re likely going to need all of this power. I can say that with a high degree of confidence, and we’re going to likely need more.”
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The large reactors are earmarked for northwestern Saskatchewan. One possible location is the North Saskatchewan River in the Lloydminster region, where Bruce Power conducted feasibility studies nearly two decades ago.
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Saskatchewan plans to seek funding from federal institutions and the Major Projects Office, while leaving open the possibility of private investment.
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The proposed 600-megawatt reactor is expected to require a final investment decision before 2030. Moe said that amount of power could equal the needs of Regina and Saskatoon combined, while 2,600 megawatts could serve roughly 2.6 million homes.
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The government describes nuclear energy as non-emitting baseload power intended to strengthen grid reliability and complement the province’s other electricity sources.
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