Saskatchewan Outlines Nuclear Power Program Development
Saskatchewan has released "Delivering Energy Security Through Nuclear Power," a plan outlining the province's strategy for establishing a nuclear power program. This document builds upon the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan, published in October 2025. The plan prioritizes four key areas for nuclear development: increasing electricity capacity for long-term growth, incorporating large nuclear reactors into the electricity supply, continuing nuclear development in Estevan, and expanding existing nuclear expertise.
Utility SaskPower has been evaluating large reactor technologies and will now proceed with planning for two large nuclear reactors in northwest Saskatchewan. The initial goal is to generate over 2,000 MW, with the first reactor projected to be operational by 2042. SaskPower will also assess potential locations in the Estevan area, engaging with local communities and Indigenous populations, based on previous site assessment work. The Rafferty site near Estevan has been selected for further study regarding small modular reactor (SMR) deployment, with a target of delivering at least 600 MW of power from SMRs in the region.
Development Timeline and Technology Selection
In the near term, from 2026 to 2027, Saskatchewan plans to finalize its selection of large nuclear technology and establish planning directives for the two large reactors in the northwest. Concurrently, planning and siting efforts in the Estevan region will advance. Between 2027 and 2030, the province will focus on detailed siting, community engagement, and development readiness. This phase will involve identifying suitable locations in northwest Saskatchewan for licensing, construction, and operation of at least two large reactors. For southeast Saskatchewan, the province will determine the commercial, financial, and market conditions necessary to support a final investment decision for SMRs. Beyond 2030, the focus will shift to preparing for licensing, securing financing, and making final project decisions.
SaskPower previously selected GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy's BWRX-300 SMR for potential deployment in the province by the mid-2030s. In 2024, two potential SMR sites were identified, both located in the Estevan area. Additionally, SaskPower signed a memorandum of understanding with Cameco and Westinghouse to explore technical and commercial avenues for deploying Westinghouse's reactor technology, including the AP1000 reactor and AP300 SMR, for long-term electricity supply planning. Saskatchewan, which possesses significant uranium resources but currently has no operational nuclear power reactors, is collaborating with Ontario, New Brunswick, and Alberta on SMR deployment under a joint strategic plan initiated in 2022.