SMR Feasibility Study | Exploring the pathway to a lower-carbon future in Alberta
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a powerful, next-generation nuclear technology designed to provide safe, low-carbon electricity, 24/7/365, using advanced reactor designs that are much smaller and more flexible than traditional nuclear plants. In 2024, after receiving funding from NRCan, Capital Power, and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) launched a study exploring the feasibility of grid-scale SMR technology in Alberta. SMRs have significant potential to play a crucial role in Alberta as we strive to meet the growing demands of the energy expansion.
Positive support
This study explored SMR technologies, policy, economic benefits, and commercialization with a key focus on listening to the perspectives of Indigenous communities and local stakeholders. Conversations at public open houses, community meetings, and information sharing events contributed valuable insights that will be integrated into future planning.
Positive results
SMRs have great potential as a viable solution to support the growing need for a reliable and balanced energy mix that communities need, while supporting local businesses and creating new economic opportunities for Alberta.
Reliable baseload | SMRs complement a balanced mix of generation assets to achieve a reliable, affordable and lower-carbon grid.
Catalyst to investment | SMRs attract investment into Alberta’s energy, industrial, and technology sectors creating new economic opportunities.
Seamless system integration | SMRs maximize existing transmission interconnection and system capabilities without needing significant upgrades.
The study reinforces our conviction that SMRs have significant potential for generationally impactful economic and social benefits.
Deployment of a 600 MW SMR facility is expected to create:
- $16 billion GDP impact over its operational life – over 80% stays in Alberta.
- 1,100 operations-phase jobs and 4,200 construction-phase jobs generating $10 billion in wages for Albertans.
- Up to $4.8 billion of new tax revenues across municipal, provincial and federal governments – approximately 83% stays in Alberta.
Positive future
SMRs are technically feasible and the ‘right fit’ to support Alberta’s energy, industrial, and technology sectors. SMRs can be a viable solution to deliver the reliability our industries need, the lower-carbon profile our planet demands, and the flexibility to scale our economy for generations to come.
The benefits that SMRs would bring to Alberta and Canada are vast, as is the commitment and investment required to build them. We remain excited about the potential for SMRs, with the understanding that partnerships with Federal, Provincial, and Indigenous governments, as well as stakeholders and local communities, are crucial to their success.