SMR Facts
Quick SMR Insight
SMRs provide a source of clean, safe, and affordable energy with the ability to contribute towards a resilient, low-carbon future for Saskatchewan and Canada.
SMRs provide a clean source of energy.
- SMRs are designed to produce reliable power with zero greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. Learn more about SMR power generation.
SMRs are an affordable source of energy.
- Less complex than traditional or large nuclear reactors.
- Less expensive to build and design – they are smaller, built in a factory, and brought to a power station site for assembly. Learn more about how SMRs are structured and built.
SMRs are a safe source of energy.
- Fully enclosed modular design.
- Operate at a lower atmospheric pressure.
- Uses new technologies such as Advanced Manufacturing/Materials/Simulations to increase the safety of the nuclear technologies.
- Companies who provide products and services to the nuclear industry in Saskatchewan must be licensed, certified and compliant with Quality Management Systems such as N286 or N299 adding another layer of safety and protection for workers
- Learn more about licensing and certification
Saskatchewan is poised to capitalize on the growing nuclear industry.
- Saskatchewan is a world leader in uranium mining and supply of uranium which fuels SMRs.
- Local manufacturers and suppliers with expertise in mining and companies are eager to learn more about nuclear – some are actively preparing for nuclear by pursuing licensing and certifications and even working on nuclear projects.
SMRs will provide economic benefits and growth to Saskatchewan.
- Opportunities for job creation and economic growth for all, Indigenous and non-Indigenous owned and led companies.
- Current nuclear sector contributes $17 billion per year to Canada’s economy while supporting 76,000 Canadian jobs.
- Predicted to create thousands of jobs for Canadian workers and grow our economy.
SMRs will support the development of Saskatchewan’s workforce in key occupations like power engineering and power system operations, which work mainly in the following sectors:
Nuclear is Growing…Here’s How
SMR Progress in Canada
Canada’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Action Plan is focused on the development, demonstration and deployment of SMRs for multiple applications at home and abroad. It includes an action plan for the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI).
Canada is planning for a future that includes nuclear technologies by supporting the creation of a Pan-Canadian nuclear supply chain capable of competing in the global SMR market. 2018 Canadian SMR Roadmap.
To achieve this goal, Canada has agreed on an integrated approach to a national roll-out of SMR’s. With these drivers in mind the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 1, 2019, that established a framework for SMR deployment in each jurisdiction. This framework includes building supply chains across the country that will support a growing nuclear industry.
Two of the three framework pillars are focused on creating capacity to deploy SMRs in Western Provinces :
Create a Pan-Canadian SMR Supply Chain
- Make the SMR Supply Chain “pan-Canadian” with new suppliers, including Indigenous-owned suppliers, in new regions.
- Initiated Atlantic Canada Program in 2020 and rolled out in Saskatchewan in 2024
Build Western Canadian Supply Chain
- Learn from other regions to build in Saskatchewan and enhance programming for all.
Currently...
15% of Canada’s power currently comes from nuclear generation.
200 Canadian based nuclear suppliers are ready to support the deployment of SMRs around the world.
14 Canadian academic institutions have programs to support SMRs and Advanced Manufacturing.
Saskatchewan Strengths in Nuclear
Several Saskatchewan organizations are working to support the development of the nuclear industry in Saskatchewan.
SIMSA (the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association) is providing support to connect the provincial supply chain, which includes their 350 members who are providing innovative, world-class solutions used by the industrial, mining, and energy sectors around the world. SIMSA is also building additional resources to enhance the development of qualified nuclear manufacturing and construction companies in Saskatchewan through the creation of a nuclear specialist role.
The First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) is preparing Saskatchewan Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses to participate in the nuclear economy by assisting Saskatchewan companies in adopting the business processes, standards, and overarching “safety culture” required of qualified nuclear suppliers. Through FNPA, there is continuous engagement on the transfer of knowledge as well as resource training among First Nations communities to attract younger generations to the nuclear industry.
Saskatchewan’s Crown Investment Corporation (CIC) collaborates with provincial, territorial and national stakeholders and partners to attract investment to Saskatchewan’s nuclear sector, advocate provincial policy positions, and oversee planning for energy security in the province.
Prairies Economic Development Canada (Prairies Can) is making investments that will help Saskatchewan businesses become qualified suppliers for the future of nuclear and clean mining supply chains which will create new jobs, a cleaner electricity grid and opportunities throughout the province and beyond.
Government of Canada – Natural Resources Canada provided funding to OCNI to develop the Ready4SMR program.
The Saskatchewan Research Council and Atomic Energy Canada Ltd. (AECL) signed an MOU (August 2024) to promote and explore a collaborative and strategic approach to nuclear research and innovation within Canada. This MOU lays the framework for cooperation through knowledge sharing and identifying potential opportunities for cross-collaboration.
With funding from Natural Resources Canada, SaskPower has identified two potential sites for Saskatchewan’s first SMR to begin detailed site analysis ahead of a final site selection in 2025. Both sites are in the Estevan area in the south-east of the province. Saskatchewan has a workforce trained in providing manufacturing services and supplies to the mining industry in general. Training this workforce to work in the nuclear sector will be key to ensuring the success of SMRs in the future.
Saskatchewan Strengths in Nuclear
Several Saskatchewan organizations are working to support the development of the nuclear industry in Saskatchewan.
SIMSA (the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association) is providing support to connect the provincial supply chain, which includes their 350 members who are providing innovative, world-class solutions used by the industrial, mining, and energy sectors around the world. SIMSA is also building additional resources to enhance the development of qualified nuclear manufacturing and construction companies in Saskatchewan through the creation of a nuclear specialist role.
The First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) is preparing Saskatchewan Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses to participate in the nuclear economy by assisting Saskatchewan companies in adopting the business processes, standards, and overarching “safety culture” required of qualified nuclear suppliers. Through FNPA, there is continuous engagement on the transfer of knowledge as well as resource training among First Nations communities to attract younger generations to the nuclear industry.
Prairies Economic Development Canada (Prairies Can) is making investments that will help Saskatchewan businesses become qualified suppliers for the future of nuclear and clean mining supply chains which will create new jobs, a cleaner electricity grid and opportunities throughout the province and beyond.
Government of Canada – Natural Resources Canada provided funding to OCNI to develop the Ready4SMR program.
The Saskatchewan Research Council and Atomic Energy Canada Ltd. (AECL) signed an MOU (August 2024) to promote and explore a collaborative and strategic approach to nuclear research and innovation within Canada. This MOU lays the framework for cooperation through knowledge sharing and identifying potential opportunities for cross-collaboration.
With funding from Natural Resources Canada, SaskPower has identified two potential sites for Saskatchewan’s first SMR to begin detailed site analysis ahead of a final site selection in 2025. Both sites are in the Estevan area in the south-east of the province. Saskatchewan has a workforce trained in providing manufacturing services and supplies to the mining industry in general. Training this workforce to work in the nuclear sector will be key to ensuring the success of SMRs in the future.
