The Saskatchewan government and SaskPower have pledged to explore options for establishing a significant nuclear reactor within the province. While proponents highlight the potential economic benefits of such a reactor, others raise concerns about the financial implications and environmental considerations that warrant careful consideration by the province. Here is an overview of the key aspects:
Nuclear reactors serve as the heart of a nuclear power plant, regulating nuclear chain reactions that generate heat through fission. This heat is used to produce steam, which in turn drives a turbine to generate electricity. The proposed reactors would be fueled by uranium extracted from Saskatchewan.
One of the main advantages of nuclear reactors is their capability to produce large quantities of electricity simultaneously, especially when sourced from a large-scale facility. This has sparked discussions about Saskatchewan’s role in the future of nuclear energy.
Advocates argue that nuclear power could significantly boost the economy. Establishing a major nuclear facility could create numerous job opportunities and potentially facilitate the export of Saskatchewan’s energy to other provinces, such as Alberta. Jeter Hall, the director of the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Energy, emphasized the potential for cross-border power sales but noted the need for additional transmission infrastructure to facilitate this.
The province remains committed to developing small modular reactors (SMRs) while also exploring options for a large reactor. SMRs are estimated to cost between $3 billion and $5 billion per unit. Hall suggested that constructing a single large reactor could be more cost-effective than multiple SMRs, citing the proven technologies and economies of scale associated with larger reactors.
By embracing nuclear energy, Canada could position itself as a leader in using this technology to power cities. Saskatchewan, following Ontario’s lead, aims to deploy some of the first modular reactors in the country by 2030.
However, critics argue that a large reactor would impose a significant financial burden on Saskatchewan taxpayers. Peter Prebble, a director of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, highlighted the multi-billion-dollar cost associated with large nuclear projects. He expressed concerns about the environmental impact and advocated for alternative, more cost-effective, and eco-friendly energy sources such as solar or wind power.
Past proposals for nuclear reactors in Saskatchewan faced challenges due to cost considerations and concerns about radioactive waste. Despite earlier setbacks, the Lake Diefenbaker region near Elbow has been identified as a potential site for a nuclear plant due to its ample water supply, a crucial requirement for nuclear power generation.
Prebble emphasized the need for caution in selecting a reactor site, citing potential risks of water contamination and health effects on workers and residents in the event of accidents. While the Saskatchewan government has yet to disclose specific site locations or funding details for a large nuclear reactor, Estevan has been earmarked as the probable site for a small modular reactor at present.