Small modular reactors like GE-Hitachi’s BWRX-300 will help Saskatchewan reach its future clean energy goals. It’s expected the province will have its first small modular reactor operational by 2032 and then incrementally introduce three others to meet the province’s electrical needs for decades to come. (Artist rendering of the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR courtesy of GE Hitachi)
As the impacts of climate change become more visible and severe—from record-breaking wildfires to prolonged droughts and intense storms—governments around the world are being forced to confront the environmental cost of consuming fossil fuels. Saskatchewan, a province that has long depended on coal and natural gas to power its homes and industries, is no exception. Transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy is no longer just a policy debate—it’s a necessity.
One emerging solution is small modular reactors (SMRs), a new generation of nuclear technology designed to provide reliable, low-emissions electricity. Unlike traditional nuclear power plants, SMRs are smaller in size, more flexible in deployment, and promise enhanced safety features. With Canada investing heavily in nuclear innovation, and provinces like Ontario already moving forward with deployment, Saskatchewan is beginning to explore what role SMRs could play in its energy future.
However, there are still many questions to answer—from economic feasibility to Indigenous consultation, and from regulatory hurdles to long-term public acceptance.
To better understand where Saskatchewan stands on SMRs and what the future might hold, we spoke with Stephen Darko, a graduate student at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Darko has spent the last two years studying the political and policy landscape around SMR development in Saskatchewan and recently represented Canada at an international nuclear energy conference in Paris, where he presented on the subject.
Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy student Stephen Darko has been studying Saskatchewan’s small modular reactor roll-out plan for the past two years. He recently presented his research at an international conference on nuclear energy in Paris. (Photo by Trevor Hopkin)
What is the most compelling rationale for introducing SMRs into the province in the near future?
With the federal 2030 Emissions Plan, which prohibits the use of coal for power generation by 2030 and natural gas by 2035, coupled with Saskatchewan’s need to cut down emissions and ensure energy and environmental sustainability, SMRs emerge as the most viable option. The chief reason is that SMRs provide steady, reliable baseload power and have a better environmental footprint as they produce zero carbon dioxide. This cannot be said of other renewables like solar and wind which are weather dependent.
What advantage does SMR generated power give to Saskatchewan?
SMR generated power presents Saskatchewan with numerous benefits including energy reliability and grid stability and uninterrupted electricity to support both domestic and industrial applications. It also provides new economic development/diversification opportunities, attracts highly skilled individuals from within the nuclear industry, creates high-paying jobs, and increases export revenue from uranium. SMRs can be relatively easily deployed in remote or northern communities and mining areas, and align with Saskatchewan’s environmental sustainability goals.
What is the cost for one?
It is estimated that one costs between $3 billion to $5 billion dollars. In as much as it is expensive to deploy SMRs, the joint feasibility study report released by OPG, SaskPower, NB Power, and Bruce Power in 2021, confirm both the economic and technical feasibility of the selected SMR design.
What are the biggest regulatory, economic, and environmental challenges facing the deployment of SMRs in Saskatchewan?
The biggest challenges impacting SMR deployment in Saskatchewan include the following:
Regulatory: In Canada, the licensing and environmental impact assessments are lengthy and complex processes to navigate as they take several years to be completed. In Saskatchewan, since the province does not currently have grid-scale nuclear power, the current regulations barely cover SMRs or nuclear developments. Thus, there is a need to develop a robust regulatory system and streamline the processes to enhance SMR deployment within the province.
Economic: SMRs are characterised by high upfront capital costs and financial risks which can discourage private investments.
Environmental: In Saskatchewan, despite studies showing relatively high support for SMRs, public opinion is still polarized regarding the safe disposal of nuclear waste and the possible long-term impacts on the environment.
How will SMRs impact rural and Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, and what steps are being taken to ensure meaningful consultation and collaboration?
SaskPower has committed to early and continuous engagement and education with Indigenous and Northern communities to educate, demystify myths regarding nuclear power, and address concerns in the planning and deployment of SMRs in such communities. Saskatchewan constantly engages with right holders and is collaborating with the First Nation Power Authority as part of efforts toward deploying Saskatchewan’s first SMR.
What lessons can Saskatchewan learn from other jurisdictions that are already investing in SMR technology?
With about 10 SMRs currently in operation across the globe and other jurisdictions, including Ontario where there is a massive investment in SMR technology, Saskatchewan stands to benefit in many ways. Lessons can be drawn from these other jurisdictions by adopting the best practices regarding public engagement and communication strategies, cost and financing strategies, time management, regulatory and impact assessment experiences, and long-term waste management strategies.
What safety measures and waste management strategies are being developed to address public concerns about nuclear energy in Saskatchewan?
SMRs as advanced reactor technologies have in-built passive safety design features which shuts down safely in case of an accident. With the advanced safety designs available on the market, the probability of an accident occurring with SMRs is less compared to old reactor types.
In addressing public concerns on nuclear waste and its potential environmental impacts, SaskPower is exploring a variety of ways including public education strategies and continuous engagement with the public and Indigenous right holders to ensure that their concerns are addressed accordingly. These practices are helping to build trust and acceptance which are essential for successful deployment. SaskPower also has online platforms where public concerns can be sent to the power utility to be addressed.
What is the expected timeline for SMR deployment in Saskatchewan?
According to the joint feasibility study report released by the collaborating provincial governments in 2021, a total of four SMRs are expected to be deployed incrementally in Saskatchewan. The first SMR is expected to be operational by 2032.
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