SaskPower, Saskatchewan’s electricity provider, has identified two “high-potential” sites in the Estevan region for the development of the province’s first small modular reactor (SMR).
This identification follows an analysis of the Elbow and Estevan study areas, combined with public consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities, a process that will continue throughout the project.
The two selected sites, one at the Boundary Dam Reservoir and the other at the Rafferty Reservoir, will undergo a detailed evaluation.
This phase will include the collection of geotechnical and groundwater data, as well as in-depth land and water analyses. The goal is to gather the necessary information to identify a final site while protecting the natural environment and minimizing impacts on sensitive lands and habitats.
SaskPower aims to select a final host site in early 2025, with a final investment decision expected in 2029. The Elbow study area remains an attractive option for nuclear energy development, and the company will continue to seek land options in the region and work with rights holders, Indigenous and municipal leaders, and community members.
Advantages of the Estevan Region
Rupen Pandya, President and CEO of SaskPower, highlighted the numerous advantages offered by the Estevan region, beyond the technical suitability of the sites. He cited the proximity to the city of Estevan for access to existing services, a skilled workforce, accommodations, and emergency services, as well as infrastructure, roads, and transmission networks. The choice of a site for the first SMR facility will allow SaskPower to move forward with the many site-specific regulatory processes crucial for the project’s progression.
Estevan’s Existing Infrastructure and Workforce Continuity
Premier Scott Moe cited existing transmission capacity and workforce continuity as reasons for choosing Estevan over Elbow. Estevan is home to two of SaskPower’s three coal-fired power plants, totaling over 800 MWe of capacity. However, a federal decision mandates the phase-out of all conventional coal-fired units by 2030, implying their decommissioning or conversion to carbon capture and storage. SaskPower has only equipped one of its coal-fired units, the 120 MWe unit at the Boundary Dam plant, with carbon capture and storage technology.
Saskatchewan’s Nuclear Energy Plans
Saskatchewan, although responsible for all of Canada’s current uranium production, does not yet use nuclear energy. However, SMR technology has been included in its growth plans since the publication of a provincial roadmap in 2019. SaskPower plans to build its first 315 MWe reactor by 2034, potentially followed by another shortly after at the same site. The company has selected GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 SMR, as has Estonian company Fermi Energia for potential deployment.
A Positive Step Towards Low-Carbon Energy Transition
SaskPower’s announcement was welcomed by Lori Carr, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Estevan, who sees it as excellent news bringing more certainty about the region’s future. She emphasizes the importance of workforce continuity, allowing current employees to plan for their future and train while working in existing facilities, a key factor in ensuring future success.
The identification of potential sites in Estevan marks a significant step in SaskPower’s project to develop nuclear energy from small modular reactors.
The detailed evaluation of the sites over the coming months will provide the necessary data to select the optimal location while ensuring minimal environmental impact. With its skilled workforce and existing infrastructure, the Estevan region has strong assets to host Saskatchewan’s first SMR plant, paving the way for a low-carbon energy transition for the province.