Energy Minister Sonya Savage and Premier Jason Kenney announced today that Alberta will be entering into an agreement with Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick to explore emerging, small-scale nuclear technology. 

These versatile and scalable small modular reactors (SMRs) could lower emissions and help diversify the energy sector. 

A release from the government says, “SMRs are smaller than traditional nuclear reactors and scalable to suit local needs, with lower upfront capital costs and enhanced safety features. This new and versatile technology could supply non-emitting, low-cost energy for on-grid and off-grid communities in Alberta, including remote and rural areas of the province, as well as industries with a significant need for steam, such as Alberta’s oil sands.” 

Sonya Savage believes Alberta is a good fit for this project. 

“Alberta’s rich uranium deposits, respected innovation and research sector, and technically skilled and educated workforce could make us an attractive destination to develop and deploy SMRs. By signing on to this agreement, our government is taking another step to attract investment and job creators to our province by ensuring we have the appropriate regulatory framework in place should private industry decide to pursue this emerging technology.” 

SMRs are small enough to be built in a factory and be shipped by truck, rail or ship. They can generate 200-300 megawatts of electricity, which is enough power for a small city.  

According to the release, Canada accounts for 15% of the world’s uranium production and the Athabasca Basin, on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, is one of the greatest resources.  

Watch the announcement here: