Saskatchewan pushing toward ‘nuclear future’ with launch of new supply plan

The Government of Saskatchewan is taking another step towards nuclear power generation with the launch of a new supply plan.

According to the provincial government, the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan lays out the path towards more reliable and affordable power generation and places the province at the centre of the North American energy grid. The government said its plan emphasizes Saskatchewan resources while laying out “a new path going forward on grid reliability and transmission investments.”

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“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to a nuclear future utilizing our amazing Saskatchewan uranium resource to power our province and provide a secure energy future,” Jeremy Harrison, the minister responsible for Saskatchewan’s Crown Investments Corporation, said in a statement.

“We are going to get to that future by extending the life of our coal facilities and utilizing our Saskatchewan coal reserves that have kept the lights on in this province for generations. This plan is based in reality.”

While the federal government has announced plans to phase out coal power generation, the Saskatchewan plan described coal power as a “secure bridge” as it works to establish nuclear generation.

“Ending coal-fired generation by 2030 would risk the reliability and affordability of the provincial electrical system,” the provincial government noted in its plan.

“There is no question as to the reliability of coal as a source for electricity generation. In fact, Saskatchewan’s coal-fired units have averaged between 79 to 86 per cent availability over the past decade. Comparatively, intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar can be available as little as 20 to 25 per cent of the time.”

The plan said keeping coal power generation running past 2030 comes with a number of benefits for the province.

“Saskatchewan already owns the power stations it needs to generate reliable baseload power. Maintenance and sustainment over decades by SaskPower means that provincial coal assets are ready for life-extension,” the plan noted.

“We have a workforce of nearly 1,100 people who know how to operate and sustain coal power stations and mine the coal that fuels them. We have energy communities such as Estevan and Coronach with the services and supplies to maintain our power. It is a credit to these workers that Saskatchewan is in a position to extend the life of coal generation. We have over a 100-year supply of coal in southern Saskatchewan, a resource owned by the people of this province.”

SaskPower has already established a partnership with GE-Hitachi on their BWRX-300 small, modular reactors, but the provincial government said Saskatchewan will continue to look at large-scale reactors and other advanced small reactors to meet its growing demands for power.

The government unveiled its plan at an event on Monday at Cameco headquarters in Saskatoon. Tim Gitzel, CEO of the uranium company, said he’s pleased to see the province’s commitment to introducing nuclear energy to the province.

“Jurisdictions around the world are turning to nuclear power to address the pressing issues of energy security, national security and climate security,” Gitzel said, quoted in a government statement.

“Nuclear energy — fueled by Saskatchewan uranium — can provide reliable, carbon-free baseload power to help meet increasing electricity demands into the future.”

Sheldon Wuttunee, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence, smiles as Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel speaks during the launch of the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan on Oct. 20, 2025. (Marija Robinson/650 CKOM)

The provincial government said partnerships are an essential part of the new plan, and said it will prioritize Indigenous partnerships, procurement, training and employment as it develops electrical projects.

“The Saskatchewan First Energy Security and Supply Plan reflects a new era of partnership—one where First Nations are builders, owners, equity partners, and decision-makers in shaping Saskatchewan’s energy future,” said Sheldon Wuttunee, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence, quoted in a government statement.

“By advancing both provincial and First Nations energy security, it turns reconciliation into action—driving economic growth while protecting the lands and waters that sustain us all.”

The full plan can be read below.

Sask. to host first Canadian Nuclear Association CNA-West Conference

While Saskatchewan is charting its path towards nuclear energy, the province is set to host the first ever CNA-West Conference, led by the Canadian Nuclear Association.

The sold-out conference runs from Monday through Wednesday at TCU Place in Saskatoon, bringing together more than 500 “industry experts, innovators, and decision-makers to help shape a successful nuclear future in Western Canada.”

“Hosting the first ever CNA-West Conference showcases Saskatchewan’s critical role in advancing nuclear energy in Canada,” Harrison said.

“The conference provides unique opportunities for industry partners, local businesses and communities in western provinces to gain knowledge and establish networks for their current and future participation in building nuclear capacity at home, across the country and around the world.”

George Christidis, president and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association, said he’s excited about the conference, which is expected to turn into an annual event.

“Western provinces are taking important steps to engage with industry and the public as they consider their clean energy options,” Christidis said in a statement.

“The Canadian Nuclear Association looks forward to supporting these conversations and helping Western Canada better understand the opportunities nuclear energy offers for energy security, jobs, innovation, and economic growth.”

More to come.