Alberta, a province widely recognized for its oil and gas sector, is currently shifting its focus to nuclear energy at a conference held in downtown Edmonton this week. Capital Power’s senior vice-president, May Wong, expressed optimism about the potential for small modular reactors (SMRs) in Alberta, emphasizing the transformative opportunities they offer for the energy industry. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, SMRs are smaller in scale and output, manufactured in factories, and perceived to be cost-effective, secure, and faster to deploy, making them suitable for less densely populated areas.
While nuclear energy is already established in provinces like New Brunswick and Ontario, where it accounts for over half of the electricity supply, Alberta is now contemplating the integration of nuclear power. Premier Danielle Smith, who previously had reservations about renewables like wind and solar, has shown a newfound interest in nuclear energy, recognizing its benefits for the province’s energy landscape.
The renewed interest in nuclear power in Alberta is attributed to the rising global demand for stable, low-carbon electricity sources, particularly driven by the escalating need for electricity due to factors such as air conditioning, electric vehicles, and AI data centers. This surge in demand has prompted companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to secure nuclear power supplies through significant procurement contracts for their operations.
Energy Alberta’s CEO, Scott Henuset, highlighted the potential role of nuclear power in enhancing grid stability and ensuring a reliable power supply in Western Canada. However, the economic viability of nuclear power in Alberta faces challenges due to high upfront capital costs compared to the prevalent abundance of natural gas, which currently dominates the province’s electricity generation.
Despite past setbacks in the early 2000s when a nuclear project in Alberta was abandoned due to plummeting natural gas prices, there is a renewed sense of optimism driven by the long-term benefits of nuclear energy. While concerns remain about nuclear waste management and public acceptance, industry experts believe that nuclear power could play a vital role in Alberta’s energy future, especially with the province’s deregulated electricity market allowing private sector participation in power generation.
As Alberta explores the possibility of nuclear power, public input is being sought through online surveys to gauge social acceptance and preferences. The potential of nuclear energy in Alberta is further underscored by Canada’s commitment, along with several other countries, to triple global nuclear electricity production by 2030, signaling a growing international interest in nuclear energy as a sustainable power source for the future.