Large nuclear reactors being considered for use in Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan government says it will work with SaskPower to formally evaluate large nuclear reactor technologies, with that selection process to run in parallel with an existing small modular reactor (SMR) project. SaskPower expects a site for the province's first SMR near Estevan later this year and says a large reactor could take 15 to 20 years to bring online.

Saskatchewan is announcing a formal evaluation of large nuclear reactor technologies alongside ongoing small modular reactor (SMR) work with SaskPower. The government frames the move as part of its Energy Security Strategy and refers to using Saskatchewan uranium. The province says it is already working with GE-Hitachi on an SMR and expects an SMR site near Estevan later this year. Officials note that bringing a large reactor online would be a multi-decade effort and that further regulatory, siting and engagement work is needed. Key details: - The province will work with SaskPower to evaluate large nuclear reactor technologies. - The selection process for large reactors will proceed in parallel with SaskPower's SMR program. - Saskatchewan's Energy Security Strategy includes pathways for both SMRs and large reactors and mentions Saskatchewan uranium. - SaskPower is working with GE-Hitachi on an SMR and expects a site near Estevan later this year. - SaskPower says a large reactor could take at least 15 to 20 years to come online. - Officials say significant additional regulatory, siting and engagement work is required before construction. Summary: The province has launched a formal evaluation of large reactor options while continuing its SMR project, and officials describe the work as part of a broader energy strategy. Bringing a large reactor into service would likely take many years and requires further regulatory, siting and public engagement steps.