Saskatchewan Advances Nuclear Power to Support Long-Term Energy Security

CANADA, September 30 - Released on September 29, 2026

The Government of Saskatchewan is advancing nuclear power as a central component of the province's commitment to long-term energy security and economic growth, releasing Delivering Energy Security Through Nuclear Power. The document supplements the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan and outlines the province's next steps toward a nuclear future. 

This plan establishes a nuclear power production goal of at least 2,600 megawatts (MW) by 2050, ensuring Saskatchewan has the reliable, affordable and secure electricity needed to support a growing population, expanding industries and major investment projects. 

“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.”

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

Delivering Energy Security Through Nuclear Power focuses on four priorities for nuclear development:  

1. Building the Electricity Capacity for Long-Term Growth. 

2. Incorporating Large Nuclear Reactors into Electricity Supply Planning.  

3. Continuing Nuclear Development in Estevan.  

4. Building on Nuclear Capabilities Already Established. 

Building the Electricity Capacity for Long-Term Growth 

Saskatchewan is taking an all-of-the-above approach to energy security. Nuclear energy will provide a reliable source of non-emitting baseload electricity that strengthens grid reliability, supports energy security and meets growing demand.  

Nuclear generation will complement Saskatchewan's diverse electricity mix, which includes coal, wind, solar, hydro, natural gas, energy storage and efficiency measures, ensuring the province has dependable and affordable power. 

Incorporating Large Nuclear Reactors into Electricity Supply Planning  

As outlined in the Energy Security Strategy, 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 on site assessment work around Estevan, SaskPower will evaluate potential locations while having meaningful engagement with local communities and Indigenous peoples.  

Continuing Nuclear Development in Estevan  

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. 

Building on years of planning, engagement and regulatory preparation, continued development in Estevan will maintain the important role that Estevan and its skilled energy workforce play in powering the province.  

Building on Nuclear Capabilities Already Established  

Through six key areas, Saskatchewan has completed substantial work to prepare for nuclear development including public and Indigenous engagement; siting and technical assessment; regulatory readiness; governance and institutional capacity; transmission and grid integration; and workforce, supply chain and partnerships.  

As the province continues to grow and attract investment, long-term planning is required to ensure electricity supply keeps pace with future demand.  

Over the coming decades, Saskatchewan will require significantly more power to support industrial expansion, major projects, resource development, value-added manufacturing and growing communities across the province.  

Saskatchewan will continue engaging with Indigenous rights holders, municipalities, industry stakeholders and local leadership as planning work progresses. These discussions will help inform future decisions and ensure nuclear development delivers lasting benefits for communities throughout the province. 

Stakeholder Quotes

"This is tremendous news for Saskatchewan and for the local companies that will help make nuclear power a reality in the province," Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA) Executive Director Eric Anderson said. "SIMSA’s 397 member companies employ more than 36,000 people and represent Saskatchewan's mining, energy, industrial and nuclear supply chains. With support from the provincial and federal governments, our members have spent years preparing for nuclear opportunities and have the capacity and capability to support major builds. Saskatchewan companies are already delivering world-class megaprojects, from the Jansen potash mine to the recently announced Bell AI data centre development. The Saskatchewan supply chain is ready to play a significant role in building the large reactor infrastructure needed to support Saskatchewan's growing economy and long-term energy security."

"As we explore the nuclear future in Saskatchewan, we welcome the opportunity and shared responsibility to ensure First Nations are meaningfully involved in shaping the path forward," Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence President and CEO Sheldon Wuttunee said. "Through our strong partnerships with the Government of Saskatchewan and SaskPower, the Centre is helping First Nations assess workforce, supply-chain and equity opportunities. We also look forward to Canada investing in the regional capacity needed to support informed First Nations participation and create lasting benefits for our communities." 

"The University of Saskatchewan is proud to support the research, talent development, and partnerships that will help advance Saskatchewan’s nuclear future," University of Saskatchewan President Vince Bruni-Bossio said. "As the province builds on its strengths in nuclear energy, USask remains committed to developing the skilled workforce, knowledge, and innovation needed to enhance long-term energy security and support economic growth."

"At Cameco, we are incredibly pleased to see the Saskatchewan government recognizing the essential role nuclear power can play in supporting the province’s future growth," Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel said. "Based right here in Saskatoon, Cameco is an established global provider of nuclear fuel and reactor technologies, including the AP1000® reactor. We understand the economic, environmental and energy security benefits that safe, reliable and carbon-free nuclear power can provide for our people, communities, and industries. As a proud Saskatchewan company with nearly 40 years of operations here, we look forward to competing for the province’s business as it embarks on this transformative plan to build a reliable energy grid, utilizing nuclear energy to power Saskatchewan's future."

"For more than 60 years, Westinghouse has been a trusted nuclear partner to Canada, and together with Cameco, we look forward to partnering with Saskatchewan as it explores nuclear energy to meet growing demand for electricity," Westinghouse Canada President John Gorman said. "Through the AP1000® reactor, the world’s most proven Generation III+ nuclear technology, we can help deliver reliable, affordable and carbon-free electricity while creating long-term jobs, strengthening local supply chains and generating lasting economic opportunities across the province."

"We welcome the Government of Saskatchewan's commitment to nuclear energy as part of the province's long-term energy mix," AtkinsRéalis President and CEO Ian Edwards said. "Reliable, emissions-free nuclear power will play an important role in meeting growing electricity demand while strengthening energy security. When it comes to energy security, Canada-owned CANDU technology stands apart. As the only reactor technology designed to use natural uranium, CANDU can be fueled by Saskatchewan's world-class uranium resources without dependence on foreign enrichment infrastructure. That means greater energy sovereignty, greater supply certainty and greater long-term economic value and high-quality jobs retained here in Canada."

"GE Vernova Hitachi is proud to support SaskPower as it takes this significant step toward bringing the BWRX-300 small modular reactor to the province," GE Vernova Hitachi CEO Jason Cooper said. "By selecting the same technology now being deployed by Ontario Power Generation at Darlington, SaskPower will be able to benefit from the experience, licensing progress and supply chain capabilities being developed through the first BWRX-300 project in Canada. As the BWRX-300 continues to advance across North America and Europe, Saskatchewan will be positioned to benefit from one of the world’s most advanced SMR technologies and from the advantages of a growing fleet. We look forward to continuing to work with SaskPower to help meet the province’s long-term energy security and decarbonization goals."

"SARM welcomes the province’s commitment to advancing nuclear power as part of Saskatchewan’s long-term energy security strategy," Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Bill Huber said. "The goal of at least 2,600 megawatts of nuclear generation by 2050, alongside planning for large reactors in northwest Saskatchewan and continued SMR work near Estevan, reflects the scale of electricity generation needed to support a growing province. Rural municipalities will be important partners as this work moves ahead, and SARM looks forward to ensuring local infrastructure, community capacity and rural municipal perspectives are considered throughout the planning process."

"Affordable, low-emission power is essential to the operations of our municipalities," SUMA President Randy Goulden said. "As the order of government responsible for more than 60 per cent of public infrastructure, we need our power supply to be resilient and affordable, and we recognize that that will include a mix of baseload power, such as nuclear, as well as periodic power like wind and solar. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government of Saskatchewan to ensure that urban and northern municipalities are part of the discussion, planning, and implementation of this next chapter in Saskatchewan’s power generation and delivery system."

"The world is looking for trusted energy partners, and Saskatchewan is stepping forward," Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Prabha Ramaswamy said. "The Government of Saskatchewan's Energy Strategy positions our province not only to power our own future, but to export Saskatchewan expertise, technology, and solutions to the world. Saskatchewan is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in nuclear energy, and our businesses are ready to participate across the nuclear value chain."

"It is a privilege to be here today on behalf of the men and women of Local 2067 to recognize an announcement that has the potential to be truly significant for Saskatchewan and for Canada," International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 2067, Business Manager Tyler Holmen said. "Today is about more than a major energy project. It is about building the future of Saskatchewan. It is about energy security. It is about good careers and strong families. It is about creating opportunities in our communities and making sure Saskatchewan has the reliable electricity it needs to grow for generations to come."   

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