Saskatchewan Chapter of the SMR Action Plan

[Oscar]

Saskatchewan Chapter of the SMR Action Plan

[ https://smractionplan.ca/content/saskatchewan ]

Endorsement date: December 18, 2020

OVERVIEW

The Government of Saskatchewan strongly believes in the ability for new technologies to address climate change and economic challenges facing communities across Canada. As exemplified in Saskatchewan’s climate change strategy, Prairie Resilience, advancement of technology and innovation will allow us to build upon our world-leading innovations and natural climate solutions to attain environmental and economic goals. The most compelling new technologies are those that allow us to advance simultaneously in these areas –resilience of our natural environment and economic stimulation and growth. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are an exciting opportunity to achieve these goals, and Saskatchewan is capable and prepared to play a key role in the development of SMRs across Canada and internationally.

The next generation of SMRs are a way for Saskatchewan, along with other Canadian provinces and territories, to advance environmental goals while encouraging resilience and new economic growth. In Prairie Resilience, Saskatchewan committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector. The Government of Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan 2020-2030 further commits to reducing carbon emissions in electricity production by advancing SMRs using Saskatchewan uranium. Through our provincial utility, SaskPower, Saskatchewan has already made significant investments and advancement in reducing electricity emissions through development and installation of the world’s first major post-combustion carbon capture use and storage facility, which could be applied to reduce global electricity sector emissions or other high-carbon-emission sectors. In addition, SaskPower has set a target of doubling its percentage of electricity capacity from renewable energy sources, with the goal to generate up to 50 percent of our power from renewables by the year 2030. To maximize the benefits of renewable energy sources, Saskatchewan researchers at the Canadian Light Source national synchrotron facility have been working on cutting-edge energy storage technologies. Looking forward, incorporating SMR power into Saskatchewan’s energy mix could provide the province with the ability to generate up to 80 per cent of electricity through zero-emission sources.

As a reliable, safe, and non-greenhouse gas emitting source of electricity that can be economically competitive with alternative sources of generation, SMRs will build upon the province’s renewable energy goals by 2030 and beyond. SMRs represent a key technological advancement that will help Saskatchewan grow and prosper while contributing to Canada’s efforts to address climate change. Versatile and scalable SMRs represent a tremendous opportunity to provide baseload power that supports renewables, and expands Saskatchewan’s provincial economy by attracting investment, creating high-skilled jobs and contributing to economic growth.

SMR technology has several advantages. SMRs can be built independently, with new modules added as increased capacity is needed. They also have lower upfront capital costs compared to traditional nuclear energy plants, and can be used at remote sites, including in the far north, or by industry to support its operations. Saskatchewan is proud to be a world-class supplier of high-quality, sustainably produced uranium ore. Higher demand for uranium through the implementation of SMRs in Canada and abroad is an opportunity to harness our resources, contribute to economic and job growth, with particular benefit to Saskatchewan’s Northern region and Indigenous peoples, while contributing solutions to the global issue of climate change. Saskatchewan is also excited about new opportunities that could occur through the advancement of SMR technology, including unlocking the economic potential of the uranium value chain, expanding research and development capacity, and training, attracting and retaining high-skilled workers.

The Government of Saskatchewan knows that the best way to advance SMRs is by working together. To this end, Saskatchewan, along with the provinces of New Brunswick and Ontario signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development and deployment of innovative, versatile and scalable SMRs. Saskatchewan looks forward to collaborating with other jurisdictions across Canada who share these same aspirations. The province of Alberta is expected to be the fourth province to sign the MOU to build on the momentum to explore the SMR opportunity. The Government of Canada continues to play a key role in increasing cooperation through Canada’s SMR Roadmap and Action Plan.

Introduction of a new, game-changing technology is always ambitious. The Government of Saskatchewan encourages sharing in the financial costs amongst jurisdictions in Canada to forge a path forward with the greatest chance of success. Saskatchewan is in support of the utilities’ request for additional funding or other financial tools from the Government of Canada, which will help in the development and deployment of SMRs in Saskatchewan. With the ongoing commitment of the federal government, jurisdictions across Canada, including Saskatchewan, will be poised to take advantage of this opportunity and help lead the next phase of SMRs and global nuclear development.

The time is now to seize the moment for SMRs. Saskatchewan is committed to exploring this new, cutting-edge technology to provide non-emitting, affordable, reliable, and safe energy, while helping unlock economic potential across Canada, including in rural, northern and remote regions.

ACTIONS:

DEMONSTRATION AND DEPLOYMENT
Introduction of Small Modular Reactors in Saskatchewan STATUS: IN PROGRESS SK01

POLICY, LEGISLATION, AND REGULATION
MOU signed with Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta STATUS: COMPLETE SK02

POLICY, LEGISLATION, AND REGULATION
Climate change plan and government unit STATUS: IN PROGRESS SK03

POLICY, LEGISLATION, AND REGULATION
Creation of an enabling regulatory environment for Small Modular Reactors STATUS: IN PROGRESS SK04

CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Formation of a Small Modular Reactors unit STATUS: IN PROGRESS SK05

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND MARKETS
Value Chain Optimization