Westinghouse Electric Company and Energy Alberta have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate in defining the next steps in considering the deployment of an AP1000 reactor in Alberta. The companies will conduct joint technical and commercial discussions, business development efforts and engagement. The collaboration will build upon Energy Alberta’s engagement with Indigenous Nations and Communities in the province as part of work already underway to build Western Canada’s first NPP in the Peace River area.
“Collaborating with a trusted, clean technology provider marks a significant step forward in unlocking the full potential of nuclear energy for Alberta and Western Canada,” said Energy Alberta CEO & President Scott Henuset. “Energy Alberta is committed to laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more reliable and resilient energy future for Albertans that supports broad-based industrial growth and long-term sustainability. This strategic collaboration is an important step in our process underway to consider the best technology for the Project from a safety and delivery perspective. The Project not only positions Alberta as the Western Canadian leader in nuclear power, but also paves the way for significant economic growth and job creation across the region.”
Nathan Neudorf, Alberta Minister of Affordability and Utilities noted: “There’s strong momentum to help Alberta meet its growing energy needs, and the potential for nuclear energy to be the solution is undeniable. The collaboration between Westinghouse and Energy Alberta to explore the deployment of AP1000 technology demonstrates the private sector’s readiness to build a better, brighter energy future for our province. This initiative proves that now is the best time to engage Albertans on nuclear energy and how to shape the path ahead.”
John Gorman, President of Westinghouse Canada said Alberta is in an exciting position to be Canada’s next greenfield nuclear province, and Westinghouse is ready now to bring its proven and already operating AP1000 advanced modular reactor to meet Alberta’s nuclear ambitions. We’re also looking forward to working with Alberta’s strong and experienced industrial supply chains to deliver a large-scale ‘made-in-Alberta’ nuclear plant. Not only will this create good paying skilled trade and manufacturing jobs while diversifying the economy, it will provide export opportunities for suppliers that join the Westinghouse supply chain.” US-based Westinghouse is currently owned by Canadian energy companies Brookfield and Cameco.
However, in April, Alberta submitted its Initial Project Description (IPD) to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) for the proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project. The Impact Assessment (IA), led by the IAAC and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), will evaluate the potential effects of the project on the environment, health, society and economy.
Energy Alberta is proposing to build a nuclear generating station in the Peace River area of Northern Alberta based on two to four 1,000 MWe Candu Monark reactors. The facility would be licensed to produce up to 4,800 MWe of electricity, making a significant contribution to the province’s electricity generation. Candu reactors use natural uranium mined and processed in Canada providing lower costs and a stable, secure energy supply.
“Our goal is to help build a new, secure and sustainable economy for all Albertans utilising Canda’s world-class Candu nuclear technology,” said Scott Henuset said at the time “Canada’s nuclear industry is already a robust economic engine creating high-paying jobs and generating significant revenue for governments and it’s time to bring these opportunities to Alberta.”
The previous month, Canadian Minister of Energy & Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson announced that the Government of Canada had signed a preliminary agreement with AtkinsRéalis to support development and modernisation of a new large-scale Candu reactor, such as the Monark design, with a loan of CAD304m ($212m) over four years to finance half of the design project. The work will also include Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), operators and the broader Canadian supply chain.
