Ontario Construction News staff writer
Bruce Power has signed a memorandum of understanding with SaskPower to share expertise in nuclear generation and project development as Saskatchewan evaluates the potential for large-scale nuclear power.
The agreement comes as the province moves forward with plans to assess large reactor technologies alongside its existing small modular reactor (SMR) project.
In January, the Saskatchewan government and SaskPower announced a formal evaluation of large nuclear options as part of the province’s broader energy strategy.
“Saskatchewan’s Energy Security Strategy sets out a pathway to nuclear power generation from both SMRs and large nuclear reactors,” said Jeremy Harrison, minister responsible for SaskPower. He added collaboration will help ensure informed decisions as electricity demand grows.
The MOU is expected to formalize information sharing between the two organizations and align federal and provincial nuclear strategies. It will also draw on Bruce Power’s experience operating its nuclear facility in Ontario.
“We’re uniquely positioned to collaborate with SaskPower as it explores new nuclear,” said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s chief operating officer and executive vice-president, noting the company will share lessons from more than two decades of operations and project planning.
SaskPower president and CEO Rupen Pandya said growing demand for reliable baseload electricity underscores the role nuclear power could play in the province’s future energy mix.
The utility is also expected to benefit from Bruce Power’s experience with the proposed Bruce C project, which has entered the federal impact assessment process.
Bruce Power operates eight CANDU reactors at its site in Ontario, which are undergoing refurbishment to extend their lifespan. The company is also exploring additional nuclear capacity at the site.
Saskatchewan’s energy strategy includes plans to use the province’s uranium resources to support future nuclear generation, with potential export opportunities tied to electricity and critical minerals such as potash.
