Nuclear Power in Canada: Status, Developments, Advantages, Disadvantages, and the Future of Small Modular Reactors

by EnergyNow Staff

A Look at the Canadian Nuclear Energy Landscape

Nuclear power plays a significant role in Canada’s energy portfolio, supplying a substantial portion of the nation’s electricity while supporting economic growth and climate goals. As the world grapples with reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring energy security, Canada stands out as one of the few countries with a mature and advanced nuclear energy sector. This document provides an in-depth examination of current nuclear facilities in Canada, ongoing and future developments, the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power, and a detailed look at Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, the companies behind it, and its potential impact on power supply.

Current Nuclear Power Facilities in Canada

Canada’s nuclear sector is primarily concentrated in the provinces of Ontario and New Brunswick, with historic activity in Quebec and Manitoba (where nuclear power plants have been decommissioned). As of 2025, the main operating nuclear power plants are:

• Bruce Nuclear Generating Station (Ontario): The largest operating nuclear power plant in the world by net electricity generation capacity, Bruce Power operates eight CANDU reactors on the shores of Lake Huron. The facility provides about 6,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, supplying approximately 30% of Ontario’s power.
• Darlington Nuclear Generating Station (Ontario): Operated by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Darlington comprises four CANDU reactors with a combined capacity of about 3,512 MW. It is known for high efficiency and plays a critical role in Ontario’s clean power grid.
• Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (Ontario): Also run by OPG, the Pickering station originally featured eight reactors, of which six are currently active (retirements and refurbishments have occurred). It produces up to 3,100 MW of electricity. The station is anticipated to be retired by 2025-2026, though discussions about life extension are ongoing.
• Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (New Brunswick): This is Atlantic Canada’s only commercial nuclear facility, featuring a single CANDU reactor providing 660 MW to the region.

Decommissioned Facilities: Other provinces, such as Quebec (Gentilly-2) and Manitoba (Whiteshell), previously had nuclear reactors, but these have been permanently shut down and are being decommissioned.

Ongoing and Planned Developments in Nuclear Power

Canada is modernizing its nuclear sector to extend the life of major facilities and to innovate with next-generation reactor technologies.

Refurbishment Projects

Ontario’s major nuclear utilities are investing billions in reactor refurbishment, especially at Bruce and Darlington. These extensive projects are designed to extend reactor lifespans by another 30-40 years, improving safety, reliability, and efficiency.

• Bruce Power Refurbishment: Started in 2020, the Major Component Replacement (MCR) project is refurbishing six of Bruce’s eight reactors. The multi-year plan aims to ensure continued operation into the 2060s.
• Darlington Refurbishment: Begun in 2016, this large-scale project is expected to be completed in 2026, extending the plant’s life to 2055 or beyond.

Development of New Nuclear Capacity

With the anticipated retirement of older reactors (notably at Pickering) and the need for non-emitting power to meet climate targets, there are growing calls—and some regulatory movement—toward building new nuclear capacity, particularly in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick.

• Darlington New Nuclear Project: OPG received a license to construct Canada’s first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington site, targeting operation by 2028-2029. This is seen as a precursor to broader SMR deployment.
• Saskatchewan and Alberta: Both provinces have signed memoranda of understanding with Ontario and New Brunswick to explore SMR deployment as part of their post-coal power transition.

Advantages of Nuclear Power in Canada

Nuclear’s role in the Canadian energy mix offers several notable advantages:

• Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Nuclear power produces virtually zero greenhouse gases during operation, making it essential for Canada’s climate goals and the decarbonization of the electricity sector.
• Reliable Baseload Power: Nuclear plants operate at high capacity factors (>90%) and provide steady “baseload” electricity, complementing intermittent renewables like wind and solar.
• Domestic Uranium Supply: Canada is one of the world’s top uranium producers, notably from mines in Saskatchewan, supporting energy security and supply chain independence.
• Economic and Employment Benefits: The nuclear sector generates over 76,000 direct and indirect jobs, with significant economic impact on local communities and the national economy.
• Medical Isotopes: Canadian reactors are world leaders in the production of life-saving medical isotopes used for cancer treatment and diagnostics.

Disadvantages and Challenges of Nuclear Power

Despite its benefits, nuclear power faces several challenges and disadvantages:

• High Capital Cost: The construction of nuclear plants involves very high upfront investment, often running into the billions, and long project timelines.
• Radioactive Waste Management: Long-lived radioactive waste, including used nuclear fuel, requires secure, long-term storage solutions. Canada is advancing the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project, but community acceptance and regulatory hurdles remain.
• Public Perception and Opposition: Nuclear energy remains controversial for some, with concerns about safety, historical accidents (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima), and decommissioning costs shaping public debate.
• Decommissioning: The safe retirement and dismantling of old reactors is costly, complex, and spans decades.

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology in Canada

Overview of SMRs

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent a new generation of nuclear technology designed to be smaller, more flexible, and more cost-effective than traditional large reactors. SMRs can be deployed in remote communities, support industrial decarbonization, and provide flexible grid support.

Key Features:

• Typically produce up to 300 MW of electricity per unit (compared to 600-1,500 MW for traditional reactors)
• Modular design enables factory fabrication and easier transport and assembly
• Enhanced safety features, including passive cooling and reduced risk of catastrophic failure
• Potential for co-generation (e.g., electricity + process heat for industry/hydrogen production)

SMR Projects and Companies Developing SMRs in Canada

Canada is a global frontrunner in SMR research and deployment, attracting international partnerships and investments. Key players and projects include:

• Ontario Power Generation (OPG) & GE Hitachi: OPG is building Canada’s first grid-scale SMR at Darlington in partnership with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, based on the BWRX-300 design. Construction is slated to begin by 2025, with targeted completion by 2028-2029.
• NB Power & ARC Clean Technology: New Brunswick is developing the ARC-100 advanced sodium-cooled fast reactor at the Point Lepreau site, with commissioning targeted in the early 2030s.
• Moltex Energy: Also in New Brunswick, Moltex is advancing the Stable Salt Reactor – Wasteburner (SSR-W) technology, which aims to use spent nuclear fuel as fuel.
• SaskPower: Saskatchewan is evaluating deployment of SMRs (based on OPG and GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300) for the late 2030s.
• Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL): CNL at Chalk River is an innovation hub, supporting licensing and demonstration of several reactor designs, including microreactors for off-grid and remote use.

Other companies actively developing SMRs or contributing to the Canadian ecosystem include Westinghouse (eVinci microreactor), X-energy, and Terrestrial Energy (Integral Molten Salt Reactor).

Potential Impact of SMRs on Canada’s Power Supply

SMRs are poised to transform Canada’s energy landscape:

• Grid Decarbonization: SMRs can provide emissions-free power to support renewables and coal phase-out, especially in provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan seeking alternatives to fossil fuels.
• Remote and Resource Communities: SMRs are suitable for deployment in isolated regions, including mining sites and Indigenous communities, reducing reliance on diesel and other carbon-intensive fuels.
• Industrial Processes: SMRs can supply process heat and hydrogen production for industries such as chemicals, steel, and oil sands, helping decarbonize sectors beyond electricity.
• Export Opportunities: Leadership in SMR technology positions Canada to export expertise, components, and fuel internationally.

Nuclear power remains a cornerstone of Canada’s clean energy strategy, providing reliable, large-scale, and low-carbon electricity to millions. With refurbishment projects extending the life of the current fleet and pioneering SMR technology on the horizon, Canada is well-placed to maintain global leadership in nuclear innovation. While challenges of cost, waste management, and public acceptance remain, the advances in SMR technology promise to expand the role of nuclear energy, supporting economic growth, grid reliability, and deep decarbonization well into the future.

 

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