Canada plans to construct up to 10 new nuclear reactors in the next 15 years, expand exports of Canadian-made reactors to more nations, and double uranium exports, according to Energy Minister Tim Hodgson. Hodgson described the initiative as a blueprint for a “new civilian nuclear renaissance” aimed at increasing the country’s electrical grid capacity twofold by 2050.
During a news conference in Newmarket, Ont., Hodgson emphasized the necessity of nuclear energy in achieving the goal of doubling the country’s grid and establishing a low-carbon economy within a quarter-century. He stressed that nuclear energy offers clean and reliable baseload power critical for Canada to become an energy superpower.
The strategy outlines the initiation of construction on two new large-scale reactors by 2035, with plans for five additional reactors to be in progress or under development by 2040. Moreover, at least one reactor is expected to be under construction outside Ontario by 2035. The strategy also includes finalizing a Canadian-made microreactor by 2035 for deployment in a remote community by the late 2030s.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed skepticism about the plan during a press briefing in Vancouver before its announcement, highlighting the need for tangible outcomes rather than mere announcements. Currently, Canada operates four nuclear power plants, with a proposed new facility at the existing nuclear plant in Darlington, Ont., set to house the first small modular reactor in the G7, capable of generating up to 300 megawatts per unit.
The strategy aims to enhance the sales of Candu reactors in new export markets, targeting at least four new international markets by 2040 and engaging with six to ten new nuclear entrant markets over a 15-year period to solidify Canada as their preferred partner. The document clarifies that Prime Minister Mark Carney was not involved in developing the strategy due to existing ethics protocols.
Efforts to expand Candu reactor sales globally seek to position Canada as a trustworthy uranium export partner and leverage nuclear energy for geopolitical influence. The strategy emphasizes the long-term partnerships established through reactor exports, which advance Canada’s foreign policy objectives and trading relationships.
In case of insufficient global sales of Candu reactors, the strategy suggests exploring options for enhancing domestic uranium enrichment to supply other reactors. Candu reactors, unlike most others, do not require enriched uranium, a strategic advantage considering the shift away from Russian uranium supplies by Western allies. The government has proposed transferring impact assessments for nuclear projects to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, a move reaffirmed by the strategy.
The strategy underscores the importance of tangible outcomes and results, calling for a focus on delivering affordable and abundant energy resources across the nation.