Darcy Holderness, project manager, small modular reactor (SMR) development, SaskPower, provided an overview of the Crown corporation’s work in bringing SMR onto the provincial grid.
In order to reach the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to below 2005 levels by 2030, it needs to invest in new technology, including investing in innovation, carbon capture, modernizing the power grid, customer programs, and expanded transmission facilities.
Saskatchewan’s timeline for completion is 2034-35. The SMR project is now finalizing site selection which will either be in the Elbow or Estevan areas. Engagement with stakeholders, including Indigenous communities is an important part of the process.
Additional challenges include the development of an appropriate culture to ensure the safe, secure, and sustainable operations of nuclear energy. Darcy also provided an overview of the regulatory hurdles that will need to be overcome before the unit is operational.