REGINA — Bruce Power has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SaskPower to share its knowledge in nuclear generation, project development and long-term operations as Saskatchewan evaluates large nuclear technologies for potential use in the province.
A news release issued April 15 noted that in January, the Government of Saskatchewan and SaskPower announced plans to formally evaluate large nuclear reactor technologies. That process will proceed in parallel with the existing SMR project.
“Saskatchewan’s energy security strategy sets out a pathway to nuclear power generation from both SMRs and large nuclear reactors, to prepare for rising electricity demand and future export opportunities, including electricity and critical minerals such as potash and uranium,” said Jeremy Harrison, the minister responsible for SaskPower. “Collaboration is key to ensure we make informed, future-focused decisions that benefit our provinces and our country.”
With most of Canada’s nuclear industry and supply chain focused in Ontario, the press release says the MOU with Bruce Power will formalize information-sharing, enable alignment on a federal and provincial nuclear strategy, and leverage Bruce Power’s national leadership in nuclear.
“We’re uniquely positioned to collaborate with SaskPower as it explores new nuclear to power the province with clean energy for the next generation,” said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s chief operating officer and executive vice-president. “We will share what we’ve learned in 25 years of operating the Bruce site, and in planning projects and planning for new nuclear.”
The news release added the agreement demonstrates inter-provincial collaboration, improved alignment across companies and the potential for additional growth as additional provinces look to nuclear power to meet future needs for power.
“The growing demands for reliable, baseload power, not just in Saskatchewan, but across the country, reinforce the vital role that nuclear power will play in the years ahead,” said SaskPower president and CEO Rupen Pandya. “Power is a key economic driver in Saskatchewan that’s needed to advance critical sectors such as mining, oil and gas and agriculture.”
SaskPower will also benefit from lessons learned through Bruce Power’s proposed Bruce C Project, the first new nuclear development in Canada to enter the federal impact assessment process.
The Bruce Power site was home to Canada’s first commercial reactor, Douglas Point, which operated from 1967 to 1984, and its current fleet of eight Candu pressurized heavy water reactors are being renewed to operate for several decades to come. Bruce Power is also exploring the option for a Bruce C project and up to 4,800 megawatts of new nuclear on its site.
