Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and Alberta have published their strategic plan for expanding the nuclear industry through the development of small modular reactors (SMR). SMRs are, as their name suggests, much smaller than a traditional nuclear reactor. They can be manufactured in a factory and transported by truck, train or ship. While a conventional nuclear reactor produces about 1,000 megawatts of energy, SMRs produce between 2 and 300 megawatts – enough to power about 300,000 homes. Provinces say the reactors provide a source of safe, clean energy for residents. Don Morgan, SaskPower’s minister in Saskatchewan, said the utility partnership with Ontario Power Generation “laid a solid foundation for nuclear power… to support deep greenhouse gas emissions reductions to reach Canada.” finally net zero by 2050 “. According to the initial report, the first SMR will be built in Ontario, with four to follow in Saskatchewan between 2034 and 2042. “A small reactor would cost about $ 5 billion,” Morgan said. “So it’s definitely not cheap.” Morgan and his provincial counterparts told him that small-scale reactors are a good solution for delivering clean energy to remote communities and Alberta oil sands. The Provincial Strategic Plan aims to position Canada as a global exporter of SMR technology for use in both off-grid and off-grid applications. The report emphasizes the need for a “robust” nuclear waste management program and a strong regulatory framework. Morgan said Saskatchewan is also uniquely positioned to supply uranium to power SMRs. “Energy security has never been more important and nuclear energy, supplied by uranium from Saskatchewan, has the potential to ensure that our country has the power to guide us in the future.” The plan follows a previous feasibility study on the use of SMR technology for Canada’s energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
