Saskatchewan Premier Announces Nuclear Power as Key Future Energy Source

UPDATE: Saskatchewan is set to embrace nuclear power as a critical component of its energy future, Premier Scott Moe declared during a high-stakes panel at the Midwest Legislative Conference in Saskatoon on Tuesday. As electricity demands soar, Moe emphasized, “We don’t have a lot of other choices here, so it is going to be part of Saskatchewan’s energy future.”

Moe’s statements come amid global demands for reliable energy sources, with industry leaders like Tim Gitzel, CEO of Cameco Corp., and John Gorman, President of Westinghouse Canada, emphasizing the urgent need for nuclear energy. The province has chosen two potential sites near Estevan and Elbow for a small modular reactor, with a decision on construction expected by 2029.

“The shift from coal and other forms of electricity to nuclear is an essential part of our strategy,” Moe stated, highlighting the province’s significant uranium deposits—the largest high-grade reserves in the world. In 2024, Saskatchewan’s uranium exports reached an impressive $2.8 billion, with approximately $1.1 billion of processed uranium exported to the U.S.

During the panel, Gorman noted a global renaissance in nuclear energy, stating, “We’re going through a global re-emergence of nuclear on a scale that we haven’t seen since the 1970s.” He projected that by 2050, there could be 1,000 new reactors built worldwide to meet surging electricity demands.

Moe’s push for nuclear energy comes at a critical juncture, especially as the U.S. and Canada approach an August 1 deadline to finalize a new trade agreement amidst ongoing tensions. As the trade war intensifies, Moe cautioned, “I fear in the next number of days that it’s going to get a little tougher for both of us.” He stressed the importance of focusing on North American energy security while diversifying trade partners to reduce reliance on the U.S.

Gitzel also made a compelling case for Saskatchewan’s uranium, urging attendees to consider it as a safer and more responsible alternative to imports from countries like Kazakhstan and Russia. “All of you get uranium for your nuclear reactors from us,” he asserted. “If you don’t want to get it from us, then you’re going to other places that don’t have our best interests in mind.”

As Saskatchewan positions itself as a potential energy powerhouse, the conversations at the Midwest Legislative Conference signal a transformative shift in the province’s energy landscape. With the global community increasingly turning to nuclear power, Saskatchewan’s actions could shape the future of energy production in North America and beyond.

Stay tuned as developments unfold in Saskatchewan’s energy strategy, and watch for the upcoming decision on the nuclear reactor that could redefine the province’s energy profile for decades to come.