Sask. exploring nuclear power possibilities in light of developments in Ontario

WATCH: The Saskatchewan government is closely exploring nuclear power possibilities in light of recent developments in Ontario. Mick Favel explains.

Nuclear energy could be added to Saskatchewan’s power grid in the future as the government monitors the construction of four small modular reactors (SMR) in Ontario.

The SMR are a smaller version of a nuclear plant but use the same science.

When operational, an SMR could power upwards of 300,000 homes. This makes the reactors ideal for remote locations.

“The bottom-line consideration for government as we bridge to nuclear is going to be what makes the most sense for SaskPower customer,” said Jeremy Harrison, minister responsible for all major Crown corporations.

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In 2017, SaskPower signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ontario Power Generation to explore the use of SMR.

Two potential sites have been identified for the province’s first SMR.

Both are near Estevan, at the Boundary Dam or Rafferty Reservoir.

“We have all the transmission lines, the infrastructure to replace the coal fleet if we are going to replace it with nuclear, Estevan wanted it,” said Estevan Mayor Tony Sernick.

Ontario has just begun construction of the first SMR. The province is calling it the first of its kind in a G7 nation.

The entire project is estimated to cost $22 billion and is targeted to last 65 years.

Harrison said the build is being monitored before taking the next steps.

“We are not going to be pushed or hurried before we are very comfortable that we are making the best decision for Saskatchewan’s citizens,” he said.

Since Saskatchewan is one of the leading uranium producers in the world, the province said having a reactor in the province could go hand-in-hand with one the province’s biggest resources.

The province is maintaining a timeline for the mid 2030’s before nuclear energy is added to the power grid.