Proposed Nuclear Power Generating Facilities in Alberta: Current Initiatives and Historical Context

Alberta's energy landscape is evolving rapidly as the province explores nuclear power generation to address growing electricity demands while reducing carbon emissions. Current proposals range from large-scale conventional nuclear plants to smaller modular reactor technologies, with various stakeholders advancing different visions for Alberta's nuclear future.

Current Major Nuclear Power Proposals in Alberta

The Peace River Nuclear Power Project

Energy Alberta, a Calgary-based company, has proposed building a substantial nuclear power generating station in northern Alberta's Peace Region. The company has been quietly developing this proposal since late 2023, including consultations with Premier Danielle Smith and other government officials1. This ambitious project envisions constructing two to five CANDU® MONARK™ reactors with a potential maximum output of 4,800 megawatts—nearly four times the capacity of Alberta's largest natural gas-fired power plant, the Genesee Generating Station13.

The project is currently in its early engagement phase, with the company working to introduce the proposal to communities and stakeholders3. According to Energy Alberta's president and CEO Scott Henuset, they are evaluating multiple potential sites approximately 25 kilometers north of the town of Peace River1. These nuclear reactors would have a substantial operational lifespan of 60 to 70 years, providing long-term, stable electricity generation for the province15.

The proposal has generated regional interest, with five local jurisdictions in the Peace Region forming a joint committee to advocate for nuclear power development in their area1. As Terry Ungarian, reeve of the County of Northern Lights and chair of the regional energy committee, expressed: "If it's going to land somewhere in Alberta, our feeling is, why not land in our region where we would benefit from the economic side of it?"1

Energy Alberta is planning community engagement activities, including an open house scheduled for March 11, 2025, at Weberville Community Hall in the County of Northern Lights, where residents can meet with the project team and nuclear industry experts12.

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Initiative

In January 2024, Edmonton-based Capital Power and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced a significant partnership to explore the feasibility of developing small modular reactors in Alberta811. This two-year commitment agreement aims to assess the viability of jointly owning and operating SMRs that would supply electricity to Alberta's energy-only market11.

The companies are specifically considering 315-megawatt SMR units, potentially utilizing GE Hitachi's BWRX-300 technology, with a target in-service timeframe between 2030 and 2035811. According to the Global Nuclear Power Tracker database, the project currently includes two announced SMR units, each with 315 MW nameplate capacity, with a planned commissioning year of 20302.

Capital Power CEO Avik Dey emphasized the potential role of nuclear in Alberta's future energy mix: "We see nuclear playing a critical role in providing baseload dispatchable generation in Alberta, in a 2035 type of time frame"8. This initiative represents a significant step forward for SMR development in the province, bringing together experienced power generation companies with practical expertise rather than just government-level partnerships8.

Historical Nuclear Proposals in Alberta

Previous Peace River Region Proposal

This is not Alberta's first exploration of nuclear power. In 2009, Energy Alberta's founders, Wayne Henuset and Hank Swartout, initially proposed a nuclear power plant in the Peace River region before selling the company and proposal to Bruce Power, which operates the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station in Ontario110.

After acquiring Energy Alberta in 2008, Bruce Power identified Whitemud—approximately 30 kilometers west of Peace River—as its preferred site after the original location raised concerns due to its proximity to the Grimshaw Gravels Aquifer10. The original application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission covered two ACR-1000 reactors with a total output of around 2,200 MWe, though Bruce Power later considered up to four power units10.

Despite initial progress, Bruce Power abandoned its plans in 2011, deciding instead to focus investments on increasing reliability and safety at its existing Bruce Power nuclear-generating station in Ontario11. The proposed C$10 billion project had intended to utilize nuclear energy partly for oil sands operations, replacing natural gas for energy production in bitumen extraction and processing11.

Government Position and Regulatory Framework

Alberta Government's Evolving Stance

The Alberta government is actively reconsidering nuclear power development in the province. In March 2024, Affordability and Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf publicly stated the government's interest in conventional nuclear power: "We're also very interested in looking at conventional nuclear and what that could possibly provide for Alberta in ... the longer term"6.

This represents a significant shift, as the government had previously focused primarily on small modular reactors. Since 2020, Alberta has been working with Saskatchewan, Ontario, and New Brunswick to develop plans for SMRs, formally joining these provinces' memorandum of understanding in 202167. The collaborative effort resulted in the "Interprovincial Strategic Plan for the Development of Small Modular Reactors," released in March 20227.

More recently, on May 2, 2024, the governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding specifically focused on advancing nuclear power generation7. This agreement supports collaboration in key areas including nuclear supply chains, workforce development, fuel supply security, and reactor technology development—highlighting the growing seriousness with which Alberta is pursuing nuclear energy options7.

Regulatory Development

Alberta currently lacks a specific regulatory framework for nuclear power, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Minister Neudorf identified developing regulations for nuclear generation and use as a necessary first step, followed by public consultations to gauge citizens' appetite for this new power source6.

The provincial government's last serious examination of conventional nuclear was in 2008-2009, when an expert panel outlined potential benefits and challenges without making specific recommendations about building plants6. Alberta's Energy Minister Brian Jean has also indicated the province is "exploring exciting options for a regulatory framework to make sure that we bring clarity around the province's nuclear approach"11.

Regional Engagement and Public Discourse

Growing Community Interest

Nuclear energy development in Alberta is generating significant regional interest, particularly at the municipal level. The 2nd Annual Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Canada Summit, held on March 4-5, 2025, in Strathcona County, demonstrated this engagement49. Co-hosted by Strathcona County and Parkland County, the event drew over 400 influential delegates from across Canada, the USA, and Europe, bringing together government officials, industry players, and technical experts4.

At this summit, local leaders expressed support for exploring nuclear options. Rod Frank, Mayor of Strathcona County, stated: "As we study the potential of Small Modular Reactors, we are excited to play a role in shaping Alberta's energy future, one that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility"4. Similarly, Mayor Allan Gamble of Parkland County emphasized their commitment to "exploring a diverse range of energy solutions and investments in our region"4.

Public Information and Consultation

Energy Alberta is actively engaging with communities near their proposed Peace River project. In March 2025, the company met with the Peace River business community and hosted an open house in the County of Northern Lights to present early project details and gather feedback13. These engagement activities represent an important step in building public support and addressing concerns about nuclear development.

Economic and Environmental Considerations

Economic Benefits

Proponents highlight significant economic advantages to nuclear development in Alberta. According to Energy Alberta, Canada's nuclear industry already employs 89,000 people and contributes $22 billion annually to the national GDP3. The proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project would create substantial long-term employment opportunities in northern Alberta, including high-paying skilled positions over the 60-70 year lifespan of the facility35.

For local communities in the Peace Region, the economic opportunities associated with hosting a major nuclear facility are a key motivating factor in their support for the project1. The substantial infrastructure investment would represent a major economic stimulus for northern Alberta.

Environmental Advantages

Nuclear power offers significant environmental benefits as a zero-carbon electricity generation source. Energy Alberta emphasizes that nuclear energy currently helps Canada avoid approximately 80 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually3. For Alberta, which is transitioning away from coal while still relying heavily on natural gas for electricity, nuclear represents a potential pathway toward substantial carbon reduction58.

The federal government has pledged to triple Canada's nuclear capacity to help meet its target of net-zero emissions by 2050, recognizing nuclear as "the only readily scalable, zero-emission energy source capable of delivering reliable and affordable electricity around the clock"3. This aligns with Alberta's own decarbonization challenges, though the province favors a 2050 timeline for reaching net-zero in the electricity grid rather than the federal government's 2035 target8.

Challenges and Timeline Considerations

Development Timelines

Nuclear power development faces significant timeline challenges. While Capital Power is targeting a 2030-2035 timeframe for potential SMR deployment, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has noted that the probability of SMR technologies maturing and commercializing before 2035 is "highly unlikely"11. This creates tension between Alberta's growing electricity needs and the long development cycles of nuclear facilities.

Ontario Power Generation's experience with their Darlington New Nuclear Project provides some benchmarks for realistic timelines. OPG expects to receive a license to construct from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in 2024, with the first reactor ready for commercial operation in 2029, followed by additional units between 2034 and 203611. Alberta would likely face similar or longer timelines given its lack of existing nuclear infrastructure.

Cost and Regulatory Hurdles

Nuclear facilities require substantial capital investment. While specific cost estimates for the Alberta proposals are not yet available, OPG is expected to release cost figures for its Darlington SMR project in early 2025811. OPG CEO Ken Hartwick acknowledged that "the first one is going to be a little bit more expensive," though subsequent units should cost less11.

Alberta's lack of nuclear regulatory framework represents another significant hurdle. Chris Severson-Baker, executive director of the Pembina Institute, has expressed concern that nuclear "risks diverting attention and resources away from more immediate opportunities to decarbonize the grid" due to "long development timelines in Alberta, with the need to develop an approval process and regulate an industry that's never operated in the province"8.

Conclusion

Alberta stands at a crossroads in its energy development, with significant nuclear power proposals advancing simultaneously. The Peace River Nuclear Power Project represents a large-scale conventional approach, while the Capital Power-OPG partnership explores smaller, modular options. Both offer potential pathways to reliable, zero-emission electricity generation for the province.

These proposals build upon historical attempts that ultimately did not materialize but provided valuable lessons for current initiatives. The provincial government's increasing interest in nuclear energy, evidenced by recent ministerial statements and interprovincial agreements, suggests growing political support for nuclear development.

As Alberta grapples with decarbonization challenges while maintaining reliable and affordable electricity, nuclear power presents both opportunities and hurdles. The significant timeframes required for development, regulatory frameworks yet to be established, and substantial capital investments needed all represent challenges to overcome. However, the potential economic benefits, long operational lifespans, and zero-emission profile of nuclear facilities continue to drive interest from both government and industry stakeholders.

The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these proposals advance to construction or join previous attempts as learning experiences on Alberta's path toward a diverse, low-carbon energy future.

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