Sask. Research Council to oversee microreactor development

Saskatchewan’s microreactor program is now officially in the hands of the Saskatchewan Research Council.

On Friday, the provincial government announced that the SRC will oversee the nuclear power program, and also will be the only organization authorized to hold the regulatory licences and be the licensed operator of microreactors in the province while the sector is in the early stages of commercial development.

“The SRC will now provide full life cycle, integrated services, on a commercial basis to industry and communities looking to establish microreactor operations to support their business and economic development,” the government said in a release.

“The SRC process will be designed to reduce the risks and costs for industrial and community users, while providing consistency in: safety practices, reactor operations, licensing, and public engagement for all microreactor users within the province.”

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In November, the provincial government invested $80 million so the SRC could demonstrate microreactor technology in the province. The hope is that the council will use the knowledge it gains through that process to help the nuclear industry in the province understand the technology.

“What we learn through the initial microreactor demonstration will help SRC provide a one-stop shop for industrial companies and Indigenous communities looking to progress microreactor projects in the province, from early feasibility to full reactor operation,” SRC president and CEO Mike Crabtree said in the release.

“Microreactors will provide a custom solution as part of Saskatchewan’s future energy needs and this sector has the opportunity to be transformative for our economy, industry and communities.”

The provincial government has said the microreactor will be built by Westinghouse Electric Company, which was purchased in part by Saskatoon-based Cameco last year.

According to Westinghouse’s website, the type of reactor to be tested in Saskatchewan can power “more than 3,000 homes.”

Crabtree said the first reactor is expected to be operational by 2029, and will be used in an industrial application to lay the groundwork for more projects further down the road.