Representatives from SaskPower and GE Vernova’s Nuclear business, GE Hitachi (GEH), gathered in the Queen City today to formalize a collaborative agreement aimed at propelling small modular reactor (SMR) development in Saskatchewan.

The agreement focuses on the BWRX-300 SMR, outlining plans for joint project planning and the exchange of expertise in design, fuel sourcing, and fabrication. This strategic partnership also addresses workforce and supply chain planning required for deploying an SMR in Saskatchewan. In a media release, SaskPower President and CEO, Rupen Pandya, stressed the necessity of obtaining detailed technical specifications and designs for the BWRX-300 to inform planning and license applications.

In June 2022, SaskPower had chosen the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 technology for its SMR development efforts. The BWRX-300, a boiling water reactor capable of producing around 300 MW from a single unit, has also been selected for Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project. This agreement solidifies the collaborative efforts between SaskPower and GEH to advance SMR technology, contributing to Saskatchewan’s clean energy goals.

Lisa McBride, GEH Canada Country Leader, expressed the significance of the agreement as a step toward supporting the province’s workforce, businesses, and clean energy objectives. The BWRX-300, based on proven large-scale nuclear power plant designs, represents an innovative approach to generating reliable, carbon-free energy. This collaboration streamlines SaskPower’s planning and licensing work, shaping its decision in 2029 on whether to proceed with nuclear power in Saskatchewan.

For more information on SaskPower’s nuclear power planning, interested individuals can visit saskpower.com/nuclear.