Planning for Nuclear Power

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We need all options on the table to help us reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions in how we generate power, as soon as possible. Nuclear power from Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is one of those options.

Watch the video below to learn more about SMRs in Saskatchewan.

While a decision on whether to build a small modular reactor (SMR) in Saskatchewan won’t be made until 2029, planning needs to happen now. The lengthy planning process requires us to select a specific nuclear technology and potential site.

We've selected GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 SMR design and shortlisted two study areas for evaluation. They include:

  1. Elbow Study Area
  2. Estevan Study Area

Right now, we're in the site selection phase of the project. We have a long list of criteria - some of the key ones are illustrated below.

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Over the next year, our goal is to narrow down options for a potential site based on information we collect through studies and engagement activities with communities, stakeholders and Rightsholders in the study areas.

That’s where you come in. We’ll be sharing information and seeking to learn more about each area. We’re interested in hearing about your values and your environmental, social and economic priorities. Your feedback will help identify reasons that a location is a good fit or a poor fit. It could also identify things that would need to be considered and planned around if a facility were to be built in one of the study areas.

We'll compile the feedback we hear through engagement and use it to inform the site selection process. We also want to know what you’re wondering about and how you’d like to get updates, to help shape our communications and information-sharing.

We need all options on the table to help us reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions in how we generate power, as soon as possible. Nuclear power from Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is one of those options.

Watch the video below to learn more about SMRs in Saskatchewan.

While a decision on whether to build a small modular reactor (SMR) in Saskatchewan won’t be made until 2029, planning needs to happen now. The lengthy planning process requires us to select a specific nuclear technology and potential site.

We've selected GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 SMR design and shortlisted two study areas for evaluation. They include:

  1. Elbow Study Area
  2. Estevan Study Area

Right now, we're in the site selection phase of the project. We have a long list of criteria - some of the key ones are illustrated below.

""

Over the next year, our goal is to narrow down options for a potential site based on information we collect through studies and engagement activities with communities, stakeholders and Rightsholders in the study areas.

That’s where you come in. We’ll be sharing information and seeking to learn more about each area. We’re interested in hearing about your values and your environmental, social and economic priorities. Your feedback will help identify reasons that a location is a good fit or a poor fit. It could also identify things that would need to be considered and planned around if a facility were to be built in one of the study areas.

We'll compile the feedback we hear through engagement and use it to inform the site selection process. We also want to know what you’re wondering about and how you’d like to get updates, to help shape our communications and information-sharing.

What questions do you have for us about the project?

Nuclear power from small modular reactors is a new concept for most Saskatchewan residents. You probably have a lot of questions – share them here. 

Questions may be posted publicly. Please ensure your questions are clear, concise and relevant. You can ask multiple questions, but please submit one question at a time so we can provide clear and direct answers. We’ll do our best to respond within 2 to 4 business days. Please be respectful and follow the moderation policy. Submissions that do not meet these requests may not be answered or posted.

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  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    SaskPower representatives consistently say that technology does not yet exist to build non GHG emitting nuclear facilities at our target 300MW units. I continue to put forward the CANDU SMR which was originally designed in the 1990s specifically for Saskatchewan’s needs. Please tell me why all representatives always say this 300 MW SMR technology is not ready for deployment. SNC Lavalin now owns this ready to go design.

    Joan asked about 2 months ago

    Thanks for your question. There’s a lot to consider when looking at nuclear power from small modular reactors (SMRs). Many more years of detailed engineering design work would be required for the CANDU 3 to be ready for commercial deployment. The CANDU 3 is not currently in any phase of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s VDR process and SaskPower is not aware of any utility in the world that is advancing an SMR project using the CANDU 3 design.   

    To arrive at our decision to select the GE-Hitachi BWRX 300 , we completed an extensive evaluation of several technologies. We considered many factors including safety, technology readiness, generation size, fuel type and expected cost of electricity.

    We also considered Ontario Power Generation’s (OPGs) selection of the same technology for their Darlington New Nuclear Project. They’re planning to have their first GE-Hitachi BWRX 300 SMR operational by 2030. By choosing the same technology, we can learn from OPGs experience. It helps lower our risk of scheduling delays related to the regulatory process and construction of the project. It also helps manage the project’s cost. 

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    In 2050 what percentage of provincial power needs will come from SMRs? In 2050 how many SMRs will be required to produce that power? What is the current estimated cost of an SMR? How much power is lost per kilometre of transmission?

    Bill asked 2 months ago

    Hello and thanks for reaching out. At this time, we can’t say for certain what Saskatchewan’s grid will look like in 2050 or what percentage of our mix will come from nuclear power. However, as our population grows and electrification increases, we could see our grid more than double in size. When it comes to cost, we’re still working on developing an estimate to deploy an SMR in Saskatchewan. In terms of the amount of power lost per kilometre of transmission, it’s difficult to project because this would depend on the size of the line, voltage, and the amount of power.

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    The decision for SaskPower to select the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR poses some real challenges for the power and energy security for the province. Specifically, the GEH reactor uses proprietary fuel that is only manufactured in the United States and Europe. How does SaskPower plan to achieving and securing a stable supply chain across international borders and markets given the susceptibility of this complex system to transport risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, nuclear proliferation concerns, regulatory and political challenges, and supply chain disruptions? Is there scope for a fully integrated 'made in Saskatchewan' nuclear supply chain?

    Curtis Boyes asked 2 months ago

    Thanks for this question. Managing the risks and opportunities that come with planning for a nuclear fuel supply chain is an essential part of advancing our work on this project. International supply chain risk is manageable for a small number of SMR facilities, as the fuel requirements are relatively low. If Canada deploys more of this technology and becomes more reliant on enriched uranium for energy security, further consideration for enrichment supply chain will be warranted. SaskPower’s selection of the BWRX-300 came from a comprehensive evaluation that considered many factors, including safety, technology readiness, generation size, fuel type, and cost.

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    What are some of the determining factors to consider when deciding the location of a SMR? More specifically for one of the proposed locations (Elbow). Is there a more specific location description (1 mile north of Elbow, 5 miles north of Elbow..?)

    Curtis asked 2 months ago

    Thanks for your question. A lot goes into choosing a site for a potential SMR in Saskatchewan. To start, we looked at regions across the province that could meet the requirements for the technology we selected. We also considered factors like a region’s proximity to existing infrastructure, emergency services, and access to a workforce. Based on these factors, we selected two study regions – one near Estevan and one near Elbow which you’ve referenced. From there, we began to narrow in on specific areas within these regions that could work best. To do this, we completed a suitability analysis and a water intake study in each region. We also introduced a Regional Evaluation Process as a way to engage with groups in each region on the siting process, and other aspects of the project. At this time, we don’t have a more specific location in either region selected. Our goal is to have two potential sites chosen by the end of this year, and a final site chosen by early 2025. To learn more about the siting process, visit our Potential Facility Location page.

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    Does current SaskPower infrastructure play role in the location of the SMR?

    DS asked 6 months ago

    Yes! Proximity to existing infrastructure is one of many factors to consider in selecting a site for this project. This includes electricity transmission infrastructure, and we are evaluating some coal and hydro assets that may be usable for an SMR facility within both of our study areas.

    To help us understand what locations in the Estevan and Elbow study areas are suitable for a site, we’ve been using over 50 different technical, social, and environmental criteria. We’ve also been engaging with communities, stakeholders and Rightsholders in the study areas to learn from their perspective what locations would and/or would not be a good fit. Our suitability maps available at SaskPower.com are a great resource that demonstrate which areas we’ve identified as suitable. We’ve also launched a survey tool on saskpower.com\engage where you can learn more about the criteria we’re using and share what matters most to you when it comes to selecting a site. Our goal is to have two sites selected by the end of this year, and one selected by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

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    How much power does one SMR produce how many households would it create power for .

    Don’t have one asked 6 months ago

    The GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR design we’ve selected will produce 300 MW of baseload energy which would power approximately 300,000 typical Saskatchewan homes.

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    New nuclear plants and advanced nuclear Small Modular Reactors are too slow to build and too expensive compared with wind, solar and energy efficiencies. You end up waiting 10 to 20 years longer, for a seven to eight times higher electricity price – it just makes no sense. That’s way too long. We have cheaper, faster, safer technologies. Why waste time? A lot of money is being spent on carbon capture, small modular nuclear reactors, biofuels, blue hydrogen. These are all almost useless, or very low-use, technologies in terms of solving the problems. And yet, a lot of money is spent on them. Why? Because there are big business lobby groups promoting them and government subsidies paying for them. Why is saskPower giving in to these interests?

    Richard asked 7 months ago

    Hello and thanks for reaching out. SaskPower is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, and we’re planning to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. To meet this goal, we need to explore a diverse range of low or no emissions power source options. Our future supply plan needs to provide a mix of intermittent generation options (like wind and solar), peaking generation options, and baseload options (like SMRs). While a decision to build an SMR won’t be made until 2029, it must be demonstrated and competitively priced against other baseload, non-emitting power generation options. We recognize that nuclear power is a capital-intensive generation option at the outset, but over the 60-year lifespan of a facility, this option could be one of the more cost-effective sources available to the province.

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    With the SMR’s, what happens to the spent fuel rods? Does Saskatchewan have a viable plan place. Canada and Ontario have been grappling with this issue for over 30 yrs with no resolution.

    David Pyett asked 7 months ago

    In the short term, used, or spent fuel, comes out of the reactor, and is placed in wet storage for initial cooling. Then it is transferred to dry storage casks on site. The dry storage casks are very robust and self-contain all the radiation that the used fuel continues to generate. Once sealed, these dry storage casks protect people and the environment from the hazardous aspects of the used fuel and can be sustainability stored on-site for long periods of time.  But this is still considered interim storage. For permanent disposal, the plan is to send all the dry storage casks to a Deep Geological Repository or DGR that the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is developing within Canada.

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    What is the estimated SMR extreme heat temp created? How much water is require to cool the SMR? Once SMR is cooled, is the heated water re-deposited back into the water supply that is used for the cooling process? If so, how will the cumulative impacts to aquatic life, flora and fauna be mitigated?

    Chief Peigan asked 7 months ago

    The maximum temperature within the reactor is expected to be approximately 300 degrees Celsius. The primary cooling system for the reactor is a closed loop where most of the thermal energy is turned into electricity with a steam turbine. Like our coal-fired and some natural gas power plants, there is some leftover heat in that closed system that needs to be removed from the process.  

    Removing leftover heat is done through a separate open loop cooling system. There are technology options on how we design the open loop system. Two main options are being considered for SMRs, known as once through cooling and wet cooling towers. Regardless of which option is selected, its important to understand that the open loop cooling system is physically separated from the nuclear reactor.

    Once through cooling and wet cooling towers each have their pros and cons. For once through cooling, the water flow rate is higher - for a facility with two reactors and an output of approximately 630 MW, the cooling water flowrate is expected to be 20 to 30 cubic meters per second. All of this water is returned to the waterbody, but the temperature is increased 10 to 15 degrees Celsius from its original state. The impact this temperature can have on ecosystems really depends on the characteristics of the waterbody. Large water bodies like Lake Diefenbaker will have less of an impact compared to smaller ones because of its natural depth and temperature profiles. 

    With wet cooling towers, the cooling water flowrates are much less, but they rely on evaporation to reject the heat – so this is a consumptive use of the surface water.

    Outside of the cooling system, small amounts of water are consumed for reasons such as sanitary purposes for the operational staff and some make-up water to the closed loop systems.

    As part of the impact assessment for the SMR development project, these issues will be looked at very closely.

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    I’m curious as to why a nuclear reactor is being proposed and not a fusion? Nuclear dosnt create co2 emissions like gas but still comes with its fair share of dirty spent fuel which has to be transported through the province where people grow food and collect water could be cause for concern transporting such items if they were to crash or forget to contain properly. My question is why you choose nuclear over fusion?

    Csimmonds asked 7 months ago

    The technology to use, harness and control the energy/heat produced from a nuclear fusion reaction is not mature enough to commercialize yet. The scientific research work is underway, and some advancements are being made, but it will still be several decades before this technology is available for commercial electricity production. 

    Here are a couple of articles to reference:

    DOE National Laboratory Makes History by Achieving Fusion Ignition | Department of Energy

    China's Artificial Sun Breaks Record by Hitting 120 Million F in Race for Nuclear Fusion (newsweek.com)

    In Canada and around the world, there are very strict regulations on how nuclear materials, including waste, are transported. The containers used for transportation are required to be robust and are designed to withstand external hazards. Canada has a long history of safely transporting nuclear materials.

Page last updated: 27 Oct 2023, 04:35 PM