Final investment decision expected in 2029 for first SMR
Power utility SaskPower, nuclear plant supplier Westinghouse and uranium company Cameco have signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate the potential of Westinghouse’s nuclear reactor technology for the province of Saskatchewan.
The three companies said in a joint statement they will explore technical and commercial pathways to deploy Westinghouse’s reactor technology, including the advanced AP1000 reactor and AP300 small modular reactor.
Plans include evaluation of a Saskatchewan-based nuclear supply chain to support nuclear energy projects, including fuel. The MOU also identifies opportunities to collaborate on nuclear research, development and workforce training in partnership with Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions.
SaskPower is expected to make its final investment decision in 2029 whether to proceed with constructing Saskatchewan’s first SMR facility.
The utility intends to use Saskatchewan uranium in any reactor constructed in the province.
SaskPower said earlier this month it had made significant progress in its search for a potential host site for the province’s first SMR facility, identifying two “high-potential” sites.
Canada has taken an early lead in deploying a new generation of SMRs. One such reactor – GE-Hitachi’s BWRX-300 – is close to the start of construction at the Darlington nuclear station in Ontario.
