“Small Modular Reactors in Canada are more than just a new energy technology – they are a strategic bridge between remote resilience, industrial innovation, and a net-zero future.” – MJ Martin
Canada’s commitment to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is rooted in the belief that they can deliver reliable, low-emission energy while addressing regional energy needs and supporting economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Unlike conventional nuclear plants, SMRs are factory-fabricated and designed for rapid deployment, which reduces construction timelines and capital costs. Their modular nature also means units can be added incrementally to meet growing demand or phased out at the end of their lifecycle with less environmental disruption.
SMR Value Proposition
In Northern and remote Canadian communities, where diesel generation remains the dominant source of electricity and heat, SMRs offer a transformative alternative. These regions face high fuel costs, logistical challenges, and carbon intensity that SMRs could significantly mitigate. Moreover, in resource-intensive sectors like mining and oil sands extraction, SMRs could provide consistent, non-emitting energy, improving environmental performance and enhancing long-term sustainability.
Canada’s nuclear regulatory framework, led by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), is widely respected for its transparency and rigor, providing a strong foundation for the safe deployment of SMRs. At the same time, early and sustained engagement with Indigenous groups is being prioritized to ensure that projects respect traditional knowledge, land rights, and long-term stewardship.
SMRs in Canada
The Government of Canada has already committed funding to advance SMR research and demonstration projects, including the first proposed commercial SMR at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site. Other leading projects are underway in New Brunswick and Alberta, focusing on both grid-scale and off-grid applications. Internationally, Canada is collaborating with countries like the United States and the United Kingdom to share best practices, align regulations, and co-develop technologies.
The landscape for SMRs represents a growing demand of potential candidate locations. This map reflects current candidate sites. But there are perhaps 5-8 times as many locations, many remote regions, not shown, that have expressed keen interest in SMR technology. Over 100 communities have expressed interest in this solution as it represents a means to create significant economic growth for these regions.
As of April 2025, Canada has several Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects in various stages of planning and development across multiple provinces. These initiatives are part of Canada’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, leveraging SMRs for their potential to provide reliable, low-carbon energy.
Ontario
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is at the forefront of SMR development in Canada. At the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, OPG plans to construct four BWRX-300 SMRs, each with a capacity of 300 megawatts. The first unit is expected to be operational by the end of the decade, pending regulatory approvals. This project aims to provide clean electricity to approximately 1.2 million homes and support the province’s increasing energy demands due to electrification.
Additionally, Global First Power, a joint venture between OPG and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, is proposing a 5-megawatt micro-SMR at the Chalk River Laboratories in Ontario. This project is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of SMRs for off-grid applications, such as remote mining operations and northern communities.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Power Corporation (SaskPower) has selected the BWRX-300 SMR design for potential deployment in the province. The plan involves constructing up to four SMRs, with the first unit anticipated to be operational in the mid-2030s. This initiative is part of Saskatchewan’s efforts to decarbonize its electricity grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, two companies, Moltex Energy and ARC Clean Technology, are advancing SMR projects at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station. Moltex is developing a Stable Salt Reactor – Wasteburner (SSR-W), while ARC is working on the ARC-100, a 100-megawatt SMR. These projects aim to utilize existing nuclear infrastructure and contribute to the province’s clean energy goals.
Alberta
Alberta is exploring the feasibility of SMRs through partnerships and studies. In January 2024, Capital Power Corporation entered into an agreement with OPG to jointly assess the deployment of SMRs in Alberta. This two-year assessment will evaluate scalability, ownership, and operating structures, aiming to support the province’s transition to low-carbon energy sources.
National Outlook
Collectively, these projects represent Canada’s commitment to integrating SMRs into its energy landscape. While exact numbers may vary as projects progress, current plans involve the development of multiple SMRs across the country, including:
– Four BWRX-300 units at Darlington, Ontario.
– A 5-megawatt micro-SMR at Chalk River, Ontario.
– Up to four BWRX-300 units in Saskatchewan.
– SSR-W and ARC-100 projects in New Brunswick.
– Feasibility studies in Alberta.
Alternative Use Cases for Canada’s SMRs
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Canada can serve multiple applications beyond electricity generation, including:
Medical Isotope Production: Certain SMR designs, especially those with high neutron flux or specialized fuel configurations, are well-suited for producing medical isotopes such as molybdenum-99, cobalt-60, and lutetium-177. These isotopes are critical for diagnostic imaging, cancer therapy, and sterilization. Canada’s legacy in isotope production (notably at Chalk River) positions it well to integrate SMRs into this role, especially with reactor types like molten salt or high-temperature gas reactors.
District Heating and Industrial Steam: SMRs can provide low-carbon thermal energy for district heating systems or for industries like food processing, oil sands operations, and pulp and paper. This is particularly beneficial in cold regions or areas where process heat represents a significant share of energy use.
Hydrogen Production: Advanced SMRs – particularly high-temperature reactors – can support clean hydrogen production through thermochemical processes or high-efficiency electrolysis. This makes them valuable assets in decarbonizing transportation and industrial sectors.
Academic Research and Training: Micro and research-scale SMRs can be deployed in partnership with universities and research institutions to study reactor physics, materials science, safety protocols, and advanced fuel cycles. They offer controlled environments for developing next-generation nuclear talent and conducting experiments that are too complex or risky in full-scale reactors.
Conclusion
Canada’s approach to SMRs includes strategic consideration of these diversified applications, reinforcing the broader value of SMRs as tools for innovation, health care, and sustainable development.
These initiatives underscore Canada’s strategic approach to leveraging SMR technology for a sustainable and secure energy future.
As the demand for clean, firm power grows in the face of electrification and climate policy, SMRs represent a vital pillar of Canada’s clean energy mix. Their integration with renewables, energy storage, and hydrogen production further expands their value, reinforcing Canada’s position at the forefront of global nuclear innovation.
About the Author:
Michael Martin is the Vice President of Technology with Metercor Inc., a Smart Meter, IoT, and Smart City systems integrator based in Canada. He has more than 40 years of experience in systems design for applications that use broadband networks, optical fibre, wireless, and digital communications technologies. He is a business and technology consultant. He was a senior executive consultant for 15 years with IBM, where he worked in the GBS Global Center of Competency for Energy and Utilities and the GTS Global Center of Excellence for Energy and Utilities. He is a founding partner and President of MICAN Communications and before that was President of Comlink Systems Limited and Ensat Broadcast Services, Inc., both divisions of Cygnal Technologies Corporation (CYN: TSX).
Martin served on the Board of Directors for TeraGo Inc (TGO: TSX) and on the Board of Directors for Avante Logixx Inc. (XX: TSX.V). He has served as a Member, SCC ISO-IEC JTC 1/SC-41 – Internet of Things and related technologies, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, and as a member of the NIST SP 500-325 Fog Computing Conceptual Model, National Institute of Standards and Technology. He served on the Board of Governors of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) [now Ontario Tech University] and on the Board of Advisers of five different Colleges in Ontario – Centennial College, Humber College, George Brown College, Durham College, Ryerson Polytechnic University [now Toronto Metropolitan University]. For 16 years he served on the Board of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), Toronto Section.
He holds three master’s degrees, in business (MBA), communication (MA), and education (MEd). As well, he has three undergraduate diplomas and seven certifications in business, computer programming, internetworking, project management, media, photography, and communication technology. He has completed over 50 next generation MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) continuous education in a wide variety of topics, including: Economics, Python Programming, Internet of Things, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive systems, Blockchain, Agile, Big Data, Design Thinking, Security, Indigenous Canada awareness, and more.