Saskatchewan is taking a major step toward becoming a hub for nuclear energy research, with federal and provincial support helping to launch Western Canada’s first small modular reactor (SMR) safety, licensing and testing centre. The facility, housed at the University of Regina, aims to jump-start nuclear innovation and eventually support the development of clean, reliable power in the province.
The initiative comes with a combined investment of over $6 million. Through SaskPower, the provincial utility, $4 million has been allocated to build and equip the facility. The federal government is contributing $1.96 million, while the province adds $1 million in-kind support by providing the space for free.
“It’s a natural evolution to looking at the small nuclear power option that would utilize that world-class uranium,” said Buckley Belanger, Liberal MP for Desnethé – Missinippi – Churchill River, highlighting Saskatchewan’s long history in uranium mining and its potential role in clean energy development.
The new facility will use two test loops filled with pressurized water to simulate real-world SMR operating conditions. This setup allows researchers to observe how key components behave under stress, providing crucial data for safety and licensing standards.
“Fundamentally, you’ve got two loops filled with water, you’re looking at how two components are behaving,” explained Dr. Arthur Situm, research chair of SMR safety and licensing at the University of Regina. He noted that this type of facility has long been part of Western Canada’s role in the nuclear supply chain.
The testing centre is also expected to create 18 direct jobs and support about 10 small businesses, bringing both economic and educational benefits to the region. It will help train future workers in nuclear technology, building local expertise well before larger SMR projects move forward.
Despite possessing some of the world’s richest uranium deposits, Saskatchewan currently generates no nuclear power, relying instead on coal, natural gas and renewables. But rising energy demand and aging infrastructure have pushed small modular reactors to the forefront of future electricity plans.
SaskPower President and CEO Rupen Pandya emphasized that SMRs could offer modular and cost-reducing advantages once initial regulatory and construction hurdles are cleared. The utility remains on track for its nuclear timeline: regulatory work through 2029, construction beginning in 2029, and SMRs supplying power by about 2034.
It’s estimated that building and operating nuclear facilities could require 2,500 to 3,500 jobs by the mid-2030s, a major economic boon for the province.
With this research centre, Saskatchewan not only strengthens its claim as a leader in nuclear expertise but also positions itself for a future in cleaner, stable energy production. As global interest in decarbonizing energy systems grows, initiatives like this could help the province meet both environmental goals and workforce needs.
