The Alberta government is seeking input from residents on how to responsibly harness nuclear power for homes, businesses, and communities.
On Monday, Premier Danielle Smith, Affordability and Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf, and Parliamentary Secretary Chantelle de Jonge announced the creation of an expert panel to guide the province’s approach.
The Nuclear Energy Engagement and Advisory Panel will consult Albertans and deliver a report with recommendations for building a domestic nuclear energy sector. Smith said Alberta is “at the centre of Canada’s growth,” and that growth brings the responsibility to secure the next generation of energy.
The public can participate through the Nuclear Energy Development survey, which remains open online until Sept. 25. Additionally, Smith previously indicated the government planned public consultations this fall on adding nuclear power to Alberta’s energy mix.
Currently, Alberta relies mostly on natural gas for electricity. However, nuclear power could provide a reliable and stable energy source, particularly for oilsands projects. Furthermore, she emphasized that small modular reactors, or SMRs, make the most sense for the province.
“Nuclear power can expand our grid, support new industries, and keep pace with rising demand,” Smith said. “This engagement gives Albertans a real voice in shaping our future, while positioning our province to lead the way in innovative, responsible energy development.”
SMRs generate roughly one-third of the power of traditional nuclear plants. They are designed for factory prefabrication before being shipped to their site, which reduces construction time and cost. In addition, SMRs can support local grids, provide consistent energy, and scale production efficiently to meet growing demand.
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Ontario SMR will create 18,000 jobs
Canada’s first SMR is under construction east of Toronto, with plans for three additional units at the same site. The Ontario government says the four units could create up to 18,000 jobs and inject CAD$500 million annually into the local economy on average. Meanwhile, Alberta could use this project as a blueprint for development.
SMRs are inherently safer than traditional reactors. Their smaller cores reduce the risk of overheating, and passive safety systems can shut down the plant automatically without human intervention or external power.
Engagement on nuclear power will continue into 2026, although the government has not announced a date for the final report. Furthermore, the expert panel will evaluate how SMRs can safely integrate into Alberta’s energy strategy, while also considering public input on energy affordability and sustainability.
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joseph@mugglehead.com
