Canadian Provinces Highlight Critical Role of Nuclear Technologies at COP28 Climate Conference

Government officials from Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta will highlight the critical role of nuclear technologies in achieving a sustainable and affordable clean energy transition in Canada at the COP28 Climate Conference in Dubai, 30 November – 12 December 2023. Nuclear power is a valuable strategic asset for Canada that enables sustainable emissions reductions while ensuring domestic energy security and creating long-term economic opportunities.

Governments across Canada, including federal, provincial, and territorial, have signaled their continued support for the future of nuclear in Canada through both policy and financial commitments. Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta previously committed to collaborating on small modular reactor (SMR) development and deployment through the interprovincial memorandum of understanding on SMRs, signed in 2019 and updated in 2021. Nuclear power has also been included in a range of clean energy investment tax credits, and the federal government recently committed to including nuclear in the Federal Green Bond Framework.

For over 60 years, Canada has safely and effectively leveraged non-emitting nuclear energy. Today, Canada is home to 19 CANDU power reactors in Ontario and New Brunswick, which supply about 15 per cent of Canada’s electricity, and multiple SMR projects are set to come online before 2030. Canada is also home to one of the largest natural reserves of uranium in the world, fuelling Canada’s nuclear industry and generating exports of about $1 billion per year.

Along with the Canadian Nuclear Association, high level officials from the federal and provincial governments will be at COP28 in Dubai to collectively show that the path to net zero emissions in Canada is built on a strong foundation of affordable and reliable nuclear power.

Quotes: 

“Climate change and the need for decarbonization are creating a transformational energy revolution. New Brunswick, as one of Canada’s two provinces with nuclear operations, recognizes the importance of the carbon free, non-intermittent baseload power that nuclear provides. As we look forward to increasing demand through electrification, growth in Small Modular Reactors is a fundamental part of our provincial plan to achieve net-zero.”
Mike Holland, New Brunswick Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development

“Alberta is very interested in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology as a possible solution for our efforts to create the world’s first carbon neutral oilfield. SMRs also offer the opportunity to decarbonize Alberta’s growing petrochemical industries and provide non-emitting electricity for Albertans. We appreciate the strong collaboration between four provinces and the federal government to speed along the deployment of this important technology.” 
Brian Jean, Alberta Minister of Energy and Minerals

“Saskatchewan has some of the world’s highest grade uranium, a vitally important critical mineral for delivering safe, reliable, and clean power. With roughly one in 20 homes in the United States being powered by Saskatchewan uranium, our province is proud to advance our own small modular reactors and many more mining projects to reach our target of net zero by 2050. Saskatchewan also welcomes the opportunity to continue being a leader in delivering energy security to countries around the world looking for sustainably produced resources.”
Honorable Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan

“With over 70 years of expertise and a strong domestic supply chain, Ontario is leading the way in all things nuclear. From building the G7’s first grid-scale SMR, to CANDU refurbishments completed on time and ahead of schedule, Ontario is using its clean energy advantage for global export opportunities, as well as to power up its industries, drive electrification and attract new jobs, including unprecedented investments from electric vehicles, EV battery manufacturing and clean steelmaking.”
Todd Smith, Ontario Minister of Energy

“Canada’s nuclear industry provides clean, affordable and reliable electricity and medical innovations that diagnose diseases, treat illnesses and sterilize medical equipment,” said John Gorman, CEO and President of the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA). “With one of the largest natural reserves of uranium in the world, and four decades of experience leveraging non-emitting nuclear energy, Canada has a unique advantage as a global industry leader. The industry-wide progress made through 2023 represents giant leaps forward for Canada’s green energy transition.” 
John Gorman, President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association