Full Breakdown
Saskatchewan Unveils Ambitious Nuclear Power Plan
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Announcement: 2,600 MW Nuclear Target by 2050
The plan calls for two large-scale reactors in northwestern Saskatchewan, with the first expected to come online in 2042. The province will also develop a small modular reactor (SMR) at the Rafferty site near Estevan, targeting at least 600 MW by the mid-2030s.
Background & Context
Saskatchewan, the world’s second-largest uranium producer, has previously explored nuclear options, including a multi-year SMR planning phase and a 2008 Bruce Power proposal that was not pursued. The current plan adds large reactors to the province’s electricity strategy, seeking to diversify beyond natural gas, hydro, wind and solar.
Data & Statistics
- 2,600 MW target could power roughly 2.6 million homes.
- 600 MW from SMRs would supply the equivalent of Regina and Saskatoon.
- SaskPower’s real-time demand on announcement day was 2,829 MW; the historic peak was 3,910 MW in 2021.
- The Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR design produces about 300 MW per unit; two units would meet the 600 MW goal.
Official Statements & Responses
Premier Moe framed nuclear power as a “reliable, non-emitting” source that can support growing industrial demand. He said the province will consult Indigenous rights holders, municipalities and industry stakeholders as site evaluations proceed.
Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Harrison said the plan gives SaskPower a clear path to meet demand and support provincial industry, noting “very good” discussions with the federal government and neighboring provinces and the consideration of private-sector financing and Indigenous equity partnerships.
SaskPower confirmed the Rafferty site for further SMR study and indicated a final site decision is expected later this year.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The specific reactor technology for the large-scale units has not been confirmed; the release mentions Westinghouse AP1000 and CANDU Monark designs, but no final selection is disclosed.
- Cost estimates were described as “changing over time,” with no concrete figures provided.
- Final site locations for the large reactors remain unspecified, with only a general reference to possible sites along the North Saskatchewan River.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve said publicly often that, you know, there’s a lot in Canada that pushes us apart. Nuclear is one of those things that really can bring the country together from Ontario to Western Canada to New Brunswick,” — Jeremy Harrison
- “Announcements are easy to make. Building a nuclear power project is going to be much, much, much, much harder,” — M. V. Ramana
What’s Next
SaskPower’s schedule projects a final SMR site decision later this year and operational readiness for the first SMR by the mid-2030s. The large-reactor timeline targets the first unit online in 2042, with ongoing consultations and financing discussions shaping the final implementation plan.