Joint strategic plan outlines the path forward on small modular reactors for several provinces

REGINA — The governments of Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Alberta have agreed to a Strategic Plan for the Deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) which outlines how SMRs can provide safe, reliable and zero-emissions energy to power the economy and create opportunities to export Canadian knowledge and expertise around the world.

The report identifies five key priority areas for SMR development and deployment:

Positioning Canada as an exporter of global SMR technology by propelling three separate streams of SMR development, covering both on-grid and off-grid applications.
Promoting a strong nuclear regulatory framework that focuses on the health and safety of the public and the environment while ensuring reasonable costs and timelines.
Securing federal government commitments on financial and policy support for new SMR technologies that would lead to vast economic benefits across the country and help meet emission reduction targets.
Creating opportunities for participation from Indigenous communities and public engagement.
Working with the federal government and nuclear operators on a robust nuclear waste management plan for SMRs.

Since December 2019, Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan have been working together to advance SMRs in Canada through an inter-provincial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Alberta joined the MOU in April 2021, indicates a government release.

“I look forward to continued co-operation through our joint strategic plan as we make progress towards Canada’s first on-grid and off-grid SMR, both planned to be built in Ontario,” said Todd Smith, Ontario minister of energy, in a statement. “We know the world is watching us when it comes to SMRs and I’m confident that our reputation as a global hub for SMR expertise will only grow stronger from here. With job creators looking for affordable, reliable and clean energy, SMRs will enhance our clean energy advantage and help us secure new investments that will create jobs across our province.”