How to implement Nuclear Power in Saskatchewan, despite the past?

Abstract

This paper is a summary of the current landscape to deploy Nuclear Power through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Saskatchewan and the necessary challenges to overcome. The provincial government of Saskatchewan, through SaskPower, the province’s primary supplier of electricity, will be required to substitute half of SaskPower’s power production sources for cleaner and renewable options by 2030. Many governments in Saskatchewan have shown interest in converting Saskatchewan’s uranium resources into energy, however, there are two barriers. One is the cost and feasibility of nuclear energy (and SMRs), and achieving a First of a Kind (FOAK) SMR. The other has been the negative public opinion surrounding nuclear energy. The SMR developers can tackle many of Saskatchewan public’s needs addressing climate change, cost, and safety. Negative public perceptions are a form of risk as they could slow or pause the deployment of SMRs in some regions, escalating costs (financing and legal). This paper provides suggestions to lever the positive, address negative public perceptions, while understanding the people's values and priorities who are undecided.