Alberta eyes nuclear as slow, but potentially successful power grid and emissions answer
Alberta’s government is continuing its push for nuclear power in the province.
Premier Danielle Smith spoke at an energy summit Tuesday about the benefits of small modular reactors (SMRs), just hours after funding was announced for deployment research.
“It’s crucial that Canadians know the technology is safe and it represents a tremendous opportunity,” Smith said to room of SMR producers and politicians.
That group included Ontario’s Energy Minister Todd Smith, whose province has long been the face of nuclear in Canada, using it to power much of its electricity grid.
Alberta’s system looks a little different.
A cold snap in January led to record demand and load challenges for the local grid, which is highly reliant on natural gas.
“(The snap) has helped us make the case about why we need more base load power,” Smith said Tuesday. “And that includes your industry.”
Smith not only wants to integrate nuclear into Alberta’s electricity grid, but also to use it to power oil extraction.
Energy producers are convinced SMRs can provide non-emitting heat and power — which has potential to lower emissions and meet net zero goals.
On Tuesday, Smith’s government announced new funding support for a related project.
X-energy will soon be studying the deployment of a high-temperature reactor in Alberta, thanks to financial help from Emissions Reduction Alberta.
X-energy will assess regulatory impacts, licensing requirements and the potential project timeline.
“We believe Alberta is poised to become a leader in SMR deployment,” VP Ben Reinke said. “We are targeting really the early-to-mid 2030s.”
Alberta still needs to implement regulations before any project can go ahead.
“If we can do it sooner, we will, but we need to make sure we take the time to bring Albertans along with us because it’s a change,” Smith told CTV News. “We haven’t had nuclear in the province before.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
DEVELOPING Defence witness who angered the judge in Trump's hush money trial will return to the stand
A defence witness in Donald Trump's hush money case whom the judge threatened to remove from the trial over his behaviour will return to the stand Tuesday as the trial nears its end.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.