Why does Saskatchewan want small modular nuclear reactors?

Saskatchewan wants to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, despite the federal government's insistence it be reached by 2035. The province's solution is nuclear power.

SaskPower says there are no immediate plans to pursue larger nuclear reactors. Instead, it's exploring the implementation of small modular reactors (SMRs).

SMRs have never been deployed in Canada, but Saskatchewan is among several provinces exploring using them. 

Estevan has been identified as the location for a potential nuclear power plant in Saskatchewan, but a final decision on whether an SMR will be built in the province is not expected until 2029. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2030, with the first SMR in Saskatchewan becoming operational as soon as 2034.

SMRs, like all nuclear reactors, use fission to produce energy.

An SMR is not a single specific type of reactor. It's a catch-all term that describes a "vast number of technologies," according to Dave Novog, a professor of engineering research at McMaster University. 

"Some are cooled with exotic coolants like molten lead. Some look very much like a large reactor, just scaled down. So they come in all shapes and sizes," Novog said.

SMRs are physically smaller than existing technology and have smaller outputs. The International Atomic Energy Agency considers reactors to be small if their output is under 300 megawatts. That's enough to power 300,000 homes and roughly one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power generators.

The "M" in SMR stands for "modular," or made up of modules. That means they'll be assembled in pieces in factories and transported by flatbed trucks or trains to where they are needed.

SaskPower has already partnered with GE Hitachi on the design, fuel-sourcing and fabrication for a BWRX-300 reactor, the type that was originally selected in 2022.

While SaskPower is looking at SMRs to supplement larger population centres and industrial sites, the Saskatchewan Research Council is exploring nuclear-powered microreactors for remote northern communities. Microreactors can produce 20 megawatts of energy, have a lifespan of eight years, and could power up to 5,000 homes in remote areas.

The province pledged $80 million for the research council to pursue licensing fees for nuclear projects.

The Saskatchewan Research Council has selected a eVinci microreactor, which will be built by Westinghouse Electric Company.

If everything goes to plan, the microreactor will be operational by 2029. A location has yet to be selected.