As clean energy investments ramp up around the world, nuclear power has increasingly become a part of the conversation in a new form: small modular reactors (SMRs). In today’s Twenty-Four we’ll explore what SMRs are and their place in Canada’s energy landscape, including in Alberta.

Across Canada and internationally, interest in SMRs is surging. Among the recent headlines is a joint venture between GE Vernova and Hitachi that received construction approval to move ahead with an SMR project in Darlington, Ontario—a major milestone for nuclear innovation in Canada and the first SMR of its kind in the G7. Globally, tech giant Nvidia's venture capital arm announced a $650 million bet on SMR technology aimed at providing the energy needed by AI data centres, while China and Russia have the world’s only functional SMRs.

SMRs are a new generation of nuclear reactors, designed to produce less than 300 megawatts of electricity (enough for about 300,000 homes). Their ‘modular’ aspect is key, unlike large-scale nuclear reactors, SMRs are factory-assembled and transported for on-site installation. This approach promises several advantages: lower construction costs, faster build times due to standardized designs, and enhanced safety through passive cooling systems. For jurisdictions aiming to phase out coal or balance renewables with reliable baseload power, SMRs offer a compelling proposition: virtually zero-emission electricity that's reliable and well-suited for industrial operations.

Canada already has a major nuclear footprint. About 15% of Canada’s electricity comes from nuclear power. In Ontario, nuclear power accounts for 54% of electricity generation, while it makes up about 30% in New Brunswick. And now, SMRs are emerging as the next frontier and as a potential scalable solution to manage increased electricity demand.

As of 2025, several SMR projects are in various stages of development. Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington Nuclear Generating Station has received the go-ahead for the first GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor, with an estimated price tag of $6.1 billion for the first of four planned reactors. SaskPower received up to $74 million in federal funding in 2023 and selected the same BWRX-300 design, targeting deployment in the mid-2030s.

What about in Alberta?

One potential use for SMRs in Alberta is to supply low-carbon heat and electricity for the oil sands industry, helping reduce per-barrel emissions.

Another case can be made for SMRs and their ability to bring reliable, weather-proof electricity for the grid. Alberta’s power grid is undergoing a transformation with coal-fired electricity phased out as of last year and the integration of more renewables like wind and solar. Events like the January 2024 deep freeze, which nearly caused rotating outages due to low wind production and high demand, highlight a need for reliable weather-proof power. SMRs could provide on-demand baseload, complementing natural gas and renewables and ensuring grid stability without the related carbon emissions.

While there are no SMRs operating in Alberta, there has been meaningful groundwork. Alberta is working alongside Ontario, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick on a strategic plan for the deployment of small modular reactors. The Government of Alberta has invested in studies—including $7 million for Cenovus’ research on using SMRs in oil sands operations—and companies like Capital Power have partnered with Ontario Power Generation to explore feasibility in the province. On the large-scale nuclear front, Energy Alberta is proposing a full-scale nuclear plant in the Peace River area.

Key challenges include the overall cost of the technology and limited examples of its use commercially, with only a few units running globally. Other challenges that will influence how and when SMRs could be part of Alberta’s energy mix include: market structure and public perception around nuclear waste management and safety.

The pace of adoption of SMRs is largely influenced by each province’s energy mix and grid needs—provinces with aging nuclear fleets and coal phase-outs have a stronger case for moving quickly, while others are taking a wait-and-see approach as the technology matures.

As Canada looks to reduce emissions while keeping baseload power, SMRs are an exciting area to watch.

Answer to the previous trivia question: The 2024 Calgary Stampede reached an all-time record attendance with 1,477,953 visitors over the 10-day event.

Today’s trivia question: What year was the 4th of July declared a national holiday in the United States?