Saskatchewan has made a significant step towards potentially bringing nuclear power to the province.
Minister responsible for SaskPower, Don Morgan, said the crown corporation has been looking at what technology is the best fit for Saskatchewan.
On Monday, Morgan said after three years of evaluating technologies, SaskPower has selected the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 to proceed with the small modular reactor (SMR) development project.
Morgan said this technology was chosen based on key factors such as safety and fuel type.
He added the BWRX-300 is also the SMR technology being developed in other parts of the country in the near future, meaning there is “mitigated risk and reduced costs through economies of scale.”
“Today’s announcement marks an important milestone on Saskatchewan’s path to a cleaner energy future and a significant step forward to a more sustainable Canada,” Morgan said.
Ontario Power Generation also selected the BWRX-300 in December 2022 — Morgan said this will allow the two provinces to collaborate, share resources, and streamline projects.
Morgan said this will cut back on costs and “make the regulatory process much more efficient.”
SaskPower interim CEO Troy King said ultimately, the decision whether to proceed with nuclear power won’t be made until 2029.
“However, to keep SMRs as an option until that time, SaskPower must proceed with a multi-year planning process,” King said Monday.
The process will include “extensive” engagement with the public, SaskPower customers and Indigenous groups.
As for other next steps, Morgan added the province is also working on a site evaluation on different locations within Saskatchewan.
Morgan said the province will weigh public acceptance, finding the right partners, and site selection before making a decision about moving forward.
If the province were to go ahead with the process, King said SaskPower is looking at starting production by 2034.
From now until 2029, SaskPower has $140 million budgeted for the project.