Canada Showcases Nuclear Leadership in London

Canada’s nuclear industry took its message directly to international partners this week, as provincial ministers engaged with UK industry and government representatives at London’s Canada House on September 4 to discuss the massive expansion of clean electricity needed by 2050.

The forum, co-hosted by the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) and the UK’s Nuclear Industry Association (NiA), brought together four provincial ministers: Saskatchewan’s Jeremy Harrison (Minister of Crown Investments Corporation), Alberta’s Nathan Neudorf (Minister of Affordability and Utilities), New Brunswick’s René Legacy (Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy), and Ontario’s Stephen Lecce (Minister of Energy and Mines).

Each shared perspectives on Canada’s diverse nuclear landscape with British partners. “Nuclear energy holds a lot of promise for securing an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy future for Alberta and Canada,” said Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities for Alberta’s government. “We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with and learn from our provincial and international partners as we explore nuclear’s potential to meet growing electricity demands.”

“As the global demand for clean electricity continues to grow, New Brunswick’s expertise as a nuclear jurisdiction is more important than ever,” said New Brunswick Energy Minister René Legacy, who is also the province’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. “We will use this expertise to strengthen our existing partnerships in nuclear energy while also opening doors to new opportunities for collaboration in the future.”

Saskatchewan emphasized its unique role as a uranium supplier and its SMR ambitions as Minister Jeremy Harrison added, “Saskatchewan is proud to have been part of the CNA-NIA Forum. Our province plays a crucial role in nuclear development as Canada’s only uranium producer and the second largest global producer. We have what the world needs to triple global capacity in nuclear power by 2050, and we showcased this during the Forum. Saskatchewan is currently planning for future nuclear energy development, including SMR and microreactor projects which will create more local jobs, strengthen supply chains, and generate economic growth.”

Beyond the provincial updates, the forum tackled key industry challenges through focused sessions on fuel supply chain resilience, SMR development opportunities, and workforce planning. A session moderated by Cameco examined the urgency of securing western uranium supplies and advancing HALEU production among trusted partners. Rolls Royce SMR provided updates on its buildout plans in the UK following its selection as the preferred SMR technology, while the National Skills Academy Nuclear shared insights from its workforce development model.

Canada’s High Commissioner in the UK, Ralph Goodale, reinforced the international dimension and said, “Canada is driving the global nuclear resurgence. We have the uranium, the technology, and we have the skills and expertise to build a more secure and sustainable energy future. From building Small Modular Reactors to investing in new energy infrastructure, and more, Canada is positioning itself a responsible and reliable partner in the development of nuclear technology. Today’s Forum demonstrates our shared commitment with the United Kingdom to deepening cooperation on nuclear energy.”

These discussions reinforced the importance of Canada-UK cooperation in ensuring nuclear remains a cornerstone of reliable, affordable, and emissions-free power. Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the UK’s Nuclear Industry Association, echoed this message saying, “The UK and Canada are demonstrating real leadership in advancing the next generation of nuclear technologies. By deepening our collaboration, we can unlock major opportunities for investment, strengthen our supply chains in nuclear fuel, and accelerate the deployment of new reactors. Together, our industries are also developing the skills needed to deliver secure, affordable, and emissions-free power for decades to come.”

For the Canadian Nuclear Association, the event provided an opportunity to demonstrate Canada’s federal-provincial approach to nuclear development. “Canada’s provinces are showing the breadth of our nuclear leadership, from uranium mining to new builds and advanced SMRs,” said George Christidis, President and CEO of the CNA. “Working together with allies like the UK, Canada is positioned to play a leading role in meeting global demand for clean, reliable energy.”

The forum concluded with a clear message: Canada’s nuclear leadership draws from provincial diversity while maintaining international scope, positioning the country as a key player in meeting global clean energy demands through trusted partnerships with allies like the United Kingdom.