Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced a new energy plan at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, establishing a goal of at least 2,600 megawatts of nuclear power generation by 2050. The roadmap, titled Delivering Energy Security Through Nuclear Power, outlines plans to explore two large nuclear reactors in the northwest part of the province, with the first online by 2042 and the second by 2050.
“We must invest in a future source of power that is reliable in every season, available around the clock, and is affordable for decades to come,” Moe said at a Tuesday news conference. The initiative supplements the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan, incorporating large-scale nuclear technology alongside continuing work on small modular reactors.
Small Modular Reactors Set for Rafferty Reservoir Near Estevan
While large reactors are planned for the northwest, the province is pressing ahead with small modular reactor development. SaskPower selected a site at the Rafferty Reservoir, about nine kilometres south of Macoun and west of Estevan, for further study as the potential home for the province’s first SMR. The project is expected to be operational in the mid-2030s and could feature two 300-megawatt units if it proceeds.
Local officials in the southeast have welcomed the choice after years of planning and public engagement. Estevan Mayor Tony Sernick noted that site preparedness could begin next year, while village chief administrative officer Carmen Dodd-Vicary stated that the community is ready for the infrastructure growth. Dodd-Vicary said the village had been waiting for the decision since May 2024, when SaskPower first indicated the Estevan area would host the first SMRs. She added that the community recognizes the benefits of the project and the evolution of safety protocols for nuclear power. Sernick admitted he would have preferred the Boundary Dam Reservoir because it is already “industrialized” and aligns with his “Save the Bass” campaign regarding the warm water temperatures that attract bass fish.
Estevan has operated as an energy hub for decades, and local leaders anticipate that transitioning from coal-fired power to nuclear will help the city maintain its economic standing. The city hopes to keep its title as the energy capital of Saskatchewan. Realtor Linda Mack noted a pressing need for housing during the construction phase, stating that available homes and condos have dropped from 220 in 2018 to 36 currently.
Suppliers prepare for strict nuclear quality standards
Suppliers and Indigenous leaders are positioning themselves to support the buildout. Eric Anderson, executive director of the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association representing more than 36,000 workers, said members are ready to play a significant role in building everything that connects and supports large reactors and building up their capacity for 100 percent quality standards. “In nuclear, there is no warranty; there is no service department. You have to get it right, perfect, the first time,” Anderson noted. He added that instead of building to 80 per cent quality, they must build to 100 per cent.
The provincial government has committed to having “meaningful engagement with local communities and Indigenous peoples” to construct the reactors.
Did You Know?
Nuclear expansion supports rising industrial electricity demands
The nuclear expansion is designed to support soaring industrial electricity demands, driven in part by an artificial intelligence data centre outside Regina being built by Bell Canada, which could eventually scale to 1.2 gigawatts. Construction at the site was underway as of July 14, 2026. SaskPower will be responsible for supplying the initial 300 megawatts and Bell Canada has said it will supply the remaining 900. Greg Poelzer estimated that total provincial demand could reach 10,000 megawatts as the economy grows and transitions away from coal.
Saskatchewan targets 2042 for first nuclear reactor
When will Saskatchewan’s first large nuclear reactor come online?
The first large nuclear reactor planned for northwest Saskatchewan is expected to be online by 2042, with a second large reactor scheduled for 2050.
Where will the province’s small modular reactors be built?
SaskPower has selected a site at the Rafferty Reservoir, located west of Estevan and about nine kilometres south of Macoun, for further study regarding the development of small modular reactors expected to be operational in the mid-2030s.
What is the target megawatt capacity for Saskatchewan’s nuclear plan?
Premier Scott Moe’s Delivering Energy Security Through Nuclear Power plan establishes a goal of at least 2,600 megawatts of nuclear power generation by 2050.
“With our world-class uranium resources, skilled workforce and growing nuclear expertise, Saskatchewan has everything we need to be a global leader in nuclear energy,” said Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Harrison.
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