Alberta, three other provinces sign agreement to explore nuclear energy

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Alberta is joining Ontario, Saskatchewan and new Brunswick in a deal to explore the development of small modular nuclear reactors

The premiers of the four provinces joined together for a virtual signing ceremony Wednesday as Alberta formally agreed to the memorandum of understanding, after signalling interest last year.

Premier Jason Kenney said the technology could help fuel a cleaner energy transition.

“I get very frustrated when I see some political voices who demand big reductions in emissions while simultaneously opposing the only zero-emitting source of electricity, or certainly the lowest, which is nuclear.”

https://twitter.com/Tommy_Slick/status/1382368955642245123

Small modular reactors are only used in limited circumstances around the world, but there is some technology development happening in Canada

A feasibility study was also done as part of this agreement, with the premiers agreeing that it looks very promising.

“We can, in principle, develop small modular reactors for discreet industrial applications like felling production of Canada’s single most valuable natural asset which is our bitumen, the Canadian oil sands,” said Kenney.

All four provinces oppose the federally mandated carbon tax.

Alberta said small modular reactors could supply non-emitting, low-cost energy for remote areas in the province as well as industries that need steam such as the oilsands.

The province said the units are smaller than traditional nuclear reactors with lower upfront capital costs and enhanced safety features.

-With files from The Canadian Press