REGINA — Ontario is leveraging the expertise of Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and its subsidiary Laurentis Energy Partners to support a new collaboration agreement with SaskPower to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Saskatchewan.
“The world is watching Ontario as we deploy the world’s first grid-scale small modular reactor to power our province’s growth,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “Ontario is ready to support partners across Canada – like Saskatchewan – and around the world, leveraging the expertise of our world-class nuclear operators and supply chain to support their deployment of small modular reactors as a clean and reliable source of electricity.”
Laurentis Energy Partners and SaskPower have entered into a five-year Master Services Agreement which will support SMR deployment in Saskatchewan. Under this agreement, which will serve as a foundation for a long-term strategic partnership, Laurentis Energy Partners will leverage Ontario’s nuclear knowledge and expertise to support SaskPower’s nuclear program management, project licencing and operational readiness.
Beautiful day in Saskatchewan to announce a new collaboration agreement between @LaurentisEnergy & @SaskPower!
As Ontario deploys the first grid-scale SMR in the G7 we are ready to work with our partners in Saskatchewan to build more of this reliable, affordable & clean power. pic.twitter.com/BHsjnJ75bp
— Todd Smith (@ToddSmithPC) November 20, 2023
Earlier this year, SaskPower and OPG also renewed an agreement to continue working together on new nuclear development, including SMRs, in both Saskatchewan and Ontario. Under the agreement, the utilities will provide mutual support by sharing lessons learned, technical resources and expertise, best practices, and operating experience.
“With decades of experience in building, operating, and maintaining clean, reliable nuclear power generation OPG is able to help Saskatchewan add nuclear to its supply mix,” said OPG President and CEO Ken Hartwick. “Through these agreements, we are employing a fleet-style approach, which will increase efficiency and decrease cost as we deploy much-needed new nuclear generation in both provinces.”
“Based on Ontario’s leadership in the Darlington New Nuclear Project and the experience gained to date through our various international SMR collaborations, Laurentis is well positioned to provide expertise and immediate project support for SMR development in Saskatchewan,” said Laurentis Energy Partners President and CEO, Jason Van Wart. “We look forward to a long-term strategic partnership, to further strengthen the provinces’ relationship in the pursuit of a diverse and clean energy mix.”
This work builds on Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Alberta’s Strategic Plan for the Deployment of Small Modular Reactors, released in March 2022, that highlighted how SMRs could provide safe and reliable power to meet communities’ growing needs, create good-paying jobs and help provinces meet their environmental goals.
Today’s announcement also builds on recent international partnerships on SMRs, with numerous companies joining Ontario in advancing GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 for deployment – including in Poland and Tennessee. OPG and other Ontario nuclear supply chain providers have already signed major agreements valued at approximately $1 billion to export nuclear products and services to countries including Poland, Estonia and the Czech Republic.
Quick Facts
- SMRs have the potential to drive job creation, economic growth and export opportunities and would allow Ontario to leverage its highly skilled nuclear industry and workforce to be a potential supplier of products, services and expertise in the global SMR market.
- Minister Smith completed a successful trade mission to Czechia, Poland and Estonia to discuss nuclear energy and SMRs, strengthen existing relationships and support our allies in Europe looking to build their energy independence. This mission included the signing of new agreements with major European energy companies ČEZ and Synthos Green Energy.
- In December 2021, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy was named as OPG’s technology development partner to deploy a BWRX-300 SMR at the Darlington new nuclear site.
- Ontario currently has 15 nuclear reactors in operation – and three reactors under refurbishment – at three sites, providing over 50 per cent of the province’s clean electricity. The Darlington SMR will be the first new reactor in the province since 1993.
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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