Saskatchewan’s First Small Nuclear Reactor Site Narrows Down to Estevan Area
The search for Saskatchewan’s first small nuclear reactor site has narrowed down to two high-potential locations in the Estevan area, according to the Minister responsible for SaskPower, Dustin Duncan. The identified sites are the Boundary Dam Reservoir and the Rafferty Reservoir, both located approximately 10 kilometers from the city of Estevan in southeastern Saskatchewan.
In a Friday news release, SaskPower announced that data collected throughout 2024 will aid in the selection of a final host site by 2025. The utility is committed to minimizing impacts on the natural environment, including sensitive lands and habitats, during the site selection process.
While considering Elbow as a potential area, Duncan emphasized the existing power infrastructure in Estevan, making the nearby reservoirs more favorable options. “We have infrastructure down there like roads, and especially the transmission lines. So we have the ability to get any power that is produced down in Estevan out to the rest of the province,” Duncan stated.
The final site selection is crucial for determining the investment in a small modular reactor (SMR). SMRs can produce electricity in the range of 50 to 300 megawatts and are small enough to fit in a school gymnasium. SaskPower aims to build a 315-megawatt reactor by 2034, with potential plans for additional reactors at the same facility in the future.
Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig expressed optimism about the potential benefits of a small modular reactor for the community. “We look at this as a part of our future — these are well-paying jobs,” Ludwig stated. He highlighted the employment opportunities during the construction phase and the operation of the reactor, projecting a positive economic impact for the community.
Ludwig mentioned the availability of skilled SaskPower employees in Estevan who could contribute to the construction and operation of the reactor. Discussions are also underway to provide training courses at the local community college to equip residents with the necessary skills for the project.
Duncan emphasized the importance of having a skilled workforce in Estevan as a factor in SaskPower’s decision to further study the region. He noted that nuclear development in Estevan could create new job opportunities and replace those potentially lost in coal-fired power plants and coal mining.
Furthermore, Duncan highlighted the environmental benefits of small modular nuclear reactors in helping SaskPower achieve its goal of being net-zero by 2050. By using the SMR to heat water from the dams and produce electricity through turbines, the utility aims to provide reliable, safe, and low-carbon emission power for its customers.
The potential for nuclear power to become a significant part of Saskatchewan’s future energy generation is evident, with the development of small modular reactors paving the way for a sustainable and environmentally-friendly power source. Estevan’s readiness to accommodate a project of this magnitude, coupled with the positive impact on the local economy and workforce, highlights the promising prospects of nuclear development in the region.