The Government of Saskatchewan and SaskPower plan to formally evaluate large nuclear reactor technologies for use in Saskatchewan. The technology selection process will take place in parallel with SaskPower’s existing nuclear small modular reactor (SMR) project.
In October 2025, the Saskatchewan Government released its First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan outlining the path for a reliable and affordable power future. It undertook to continue to examine the feasibility of two SMR units near Estevan, and to evaluate the feasibility of large reactors and/or advanced SMRs to meet industry demand for electricity and heat to identify if either can be economically deployed in Saskatchewan.
“Our Energy Security Strategy sets out a pathway to nuclear power generation from both SMRs and large nuclear reactors, using Saskatchewan uranium,” Minister Responsible for SaskPower Jeremy Harrison said. “Together with expanded intertie capacity, nuclear power will make Saskatchewan an export powerhouse and safeguard Saskatchewan’s energy security far into the future.”
Saskatchewan, with the largest and highest-grade uranium mines in the world, does not currently have any nuclear power reactors. It is working alongside the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick and Alberta on the deployment of SMRs under a joint strategic plan released in 2022.
SaskPower President and CEO Rupen Pandya said: “SaskPower will leverage partnerships with experienced nuclear operators, and will continue to engage with Indigenous Rightsholders, Saskatchewan’s communities and businesses as we consider the potential deployment of large nuclear reactors,” said. “Potentially bringing a large reactor online will take at least 15 to 20 years, which is why we need to start this process now.”
SaskPower selected GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 SMR for potential deployment in the province in the mid-2030s. It announced in 2024 that it had identified two potential sites for SMR deployment, both in the Estevan area. It also signed a memorandum of understanding with Cameco and Westinghouse to explore technical and commercial pathways to deploy Westinghouse’s reactor technology, including the advanced AP1000 reactor and AP300 SMR for long-term electricity supply planning.
“Significant additional regulatory, siting and engagement work are needed before any construction can begin on a new nuclear project,” SaskPower noted. “SaskPower’s current SMR project continues to progress and a site for the province’s first SMR build near Estevan is anticipated later this year.”
