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Saskatchewan will establish Western Canada’s first centre for safety, licensing and testing on small modular nuclear reactors, also known as SMRs.
Currently, Canada generates 15 per cent of its power from nuclear energy, but none of it is produced in Western Canada.
The new centre will be located adjacent to the University of Regina at Innovation Saskatchewan’s research and technology park.
It will house two small modular reactor “test loops,” which simulate a part of a reactor, according to SaskPower, the Crown corporation responsible for exploring the future of nuclear power in the province.
Jeremy Harrison, the minister responsible for SaskPower, said the testing centre will help establish Saskatchewan as a hub for “nuclear excellence” and support a local “nuclear workforce and supply chain.”
Harrison told media on Monday that he believes nuclear power is central to the province’s energy security strategy.
He also praised the commitment and co-operation from other provinces, including Ontario and New Brunswick, on the development of SMRs.
“I really believe this is a nationally unifying project,” Harrison said.
Arthur Situm is the Canada Research Chair on SMR safety and an assistant professor at the University of Regina. He said the test loops will be non-nuclear devices meant to simulate the actual conditions present in a reactor and will allow researchers to look at various conditions, including the chemistry of the reactor components.
“Reactors are expensive. You’re making a large upfront [investment] and you’re looking to run it nicely and effectively as long as you possibly can to get your money’s worth from the investment,” said Situm.
The test loops will make it possible for post-secondary institutions in the province to offer new training and research programs in nuclear engineering, thermal hydraulics, chemistry and safety, according to SaskPower.
Rupen Pandya, president and CEO of SaskPower, said the training centre will help to attract and develop the talent needed to make nuclear power generation a reality in Saskatchewan.
“We are very serious about the work that we’re doing,” said Pandya.
A final decision on whether an SMR will be built in the province is not expected until 2029. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2030, with the first SMR in Saskatchewan becoming operational as soon as 2034. CBC Saskatchewan reporter Alexander Quon explains why the province is looking to set one up in the first place.
SaskPower is still weighing whether it will construct an SMR in the province.
On Monday, Harrison said Estevan will be the “likely location” if or when an SMR is built.
Two sites near the city in southeast Saskatchewan have been identified as potential locations and a decision on a final site is set for sometime this year.
SaskPower indicates a final decision on building an SMR will come by the end of 2029, with construction set to begin in 2031 and completion in 2034.
The Crown corporation is contributing $4 million toward establishing the testing centre. An additional $2 million is coming from the federal government through Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Innovation Saskatchewan is contributing $1 million, as well as an in-kind contribution for the first three years of the space leased at the research and technology park.
The Canadian Nuclear Laboratory will also provide in-kind design support, SaskPower said.
