Saskatchewan firms up nuclear power ambitions

The plan - titled Delivering Energy Security Through Nuclear Power - supplements the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan, released in October 2025, and outlines the province's next steps towards establishing a nuclear power programme.

The government said the plan focuses on four priorities for nuclear development: building the electricity capacity for long-term growth; incorporating large nuclear reactors into electricity supply planning; continuing nuclear development in Estevan in the southeast of the province; and building on nuclear capabilities already established.

As outlined in the Energy Security Strategy, utility SaskPower has been evaluating large technology options and will now begin planning for the potential development of two large nuclear reactors in northwest Saskatchewan, with an initial goal of generating more than 2,000 MW, the first of which is expected to be online by 2042. Building on previous experience over the past several years of site assessment work around Estevan, SaskPower will evaluate potential locations while having meaningful engagement with local communities and Indigenous peoples.

SaskPower has selected the Rafferty site near Estevan for further study for small modular reactor (SMR) deployment. The Estevan area remains a key part of Saskatchewan's nuclear future, with SaskPower continuing to advance planning for potential SMR deployment and a goal of delivering at least 600 MW of power.

According to the plan, in the near term (2026-2027), Saskatchewan will finalise large nuclear technology selection and undertake planning direction for two large reactors in northwest Saskatchewan and continue to advance planning and siting in the Estevan region. From 2027 to 2030, the province will move into more detailed siting, engagement and development readiness. Saskatchewan will determine which locations in northwest Saskatchewan allow for at least two large reactors to be licensed, constructed, and operated, and for southeast Saskatchewan what commercial, financing, and market conditions need to be satisfied to create a business case for a final investment decision. From 2030 and beyond, it will prepare for licensing, financing and final project decisions.

"Reliable, affordable power is essential for Saskatchewan families to thrive and for businesses and communities to grow," Premier Scott Moe said. "With our world-class uranium resources, skilled workforce and growing nuclear expertise, Saskatchewan has everything we need to be a global leader in nuclear energy. This ambitious plan turns that potential into action - strengthening our energy security, attracting investment, and building a strong nuclear future right here at home."

Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Harrison added: "Nuclear power will be a cornerstone of a reliable, affordable and secure electricity system in Saskatchewan. This plan gives SaskPower a clear path to meet growing demand and support the investment and industries that keep our province strong."

In October last year, the Government of Saskatchewan released the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan, setting out its vision and long-term strategy for electricity in the province. The plan saw the provincial government reiterate its commitments to nuclear power, as communicated in the provincial Growth Plan and the Interprovincial Strategic Plan on Small Modular Reactors. Specifically, it said the Government of Saskatchewan would continue to examine the feasibility of two SMR units near Estevan, and 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.

SaskPower has previously 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.

Saskatchewan is home to the largest and highest-grade uranium mines in the world, but 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.