Canada is aiming to construct up to 10 new nuclear reactors within the next 15 years, expand the sale of Canadian-made reactors to more nations, and double uranium exports, according to Energy Minister Tim Hodgson’s announcement of a new national nuclear power strategy. Hodgson described the initiative as a blueprint for a “new civilian nuclear renaissance” in line with the federal government’s objective to double the country’s electrical grid capacity by 2050.
During a press conference in Newmarket, Ont., Hodgson emphasized the essential role of nuclear energy in achieving Canada’s goal of doubling its grid and establishing a low-carbon economy within a short timeframe. He stressed that nuclear energy provides clean and dependable baseload power critical for this transition, stating that neglecting to leverage this significant energy asset would hinder Canada’s ability to become an energy superpower.
The strategy outlines plans to commence construction on two large-scale reactors by 2035, with an additional five reactors in the planning or development stages by 2040. Moreover, there is a provision for at least one reactor to be under construction outside Ontario by 2035. Additionally, the strategy sets a target to finalize a Canadian-made microreactor by 2035 and deploy it to a remote community by the late 2030s.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed skepticism about the plan, highlighting the need for tangible outcomes rather than mere announcements. Currently, Canada operates four nuclear power plants – three in Ontario and one in New Brunswick – contributing around 15 percent of the country’s electricity supply.
One proposed initiative involves establishing a new facility at the existing Darlington nuclear plant in Ontario, which would house the first small modular reactor in the G7, capable of generating up to 300 megawatts per unit. Saskatchewan is also exploring the potential introduction of small nuclear reactors by the mid-2030s.
A collaboration between Ottawa and Alberta has committed to developing a strategy for constructing a nuclear power plant. Officials from Natural Resources Canada indicated during a background briefing that the construction of the new reactors outlined in the strategy could exceed $100 billion in costs. Funding sources could potentially include the Canadian Infrastructure Bank and the Canada Growth Fund.
The strategy also aims to enhance the sales of Candu reactors to new export markets, with a goal of entering at least four new international markets by 2040 and engaging with six to ten new nuclear entrant markets over a 15-year period, solidifying Canada as the preferred partner.
Furthermore, the document clarifies that Prime Minister Mark Carney was not involved in the development of the strategy due to an ethics screen in place. The strategy underscores the significance of establishing Canada as a reliable uranium export partner and leveraging nuclear energy for geopolitical influence.
If global sales of Candu reactors fall short, the strategy proposes boosting domestic uranium enrichment to support other reactors, given that Candu reactors do not rely on enriched uranium like most nuclear reactors. This shift is considered in the context of Western allies reducing reliance on Russia, a major enriched uranium supplier.
The government’s recent consultation paper suggested transferring impact assessments for nuclear projects from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. While the strategy reaffirms this proposal, its implementation is pending as consultations continue. The extension of the consultation period followed objections from environmental and Indigenous groups.
In conclusion, the strategy emphasizes the need for tangible results rather than promises, focusing on advancing affordable and abundant electricity and energy production across Canada.
