SRC is pursuing the licensing and demonstration of the first nuclear microreactor in Saskatchewan.
Northern and remote areas of the province that are at the edge of the power grid or off-grid experience energy challenges, such as frequent brown outs or insufficient power for industry. Northern communities often rely on sources such as diesel or propane for their stable heat and power — but these sources are expensive and harmful to the environment.
Microreactors may be an ideal solution for these challenges and provide greater opportunity for socio-economic development.
SRC's Expertise
SRC has a long history of providing support and leadership to the uranium/nuclear industry throughout many stages of the production cycle, principally in exploration, mining and milling, mine remediation and environmental protection. SRC owns and operates the world’s largest uranium laboratory.
We successfully operated a small SLOWPOKE-2 nuclear research reactor for over 38 years and safely completed its decommissioning in the fall of 2021.
SRC is also managing Project CLEANS – a multi-year project to assess and remediate 37 abandoned uranium mine and mill sites in northern Saskatchewan.
Now, our goal is to deploy microreactor technology for multiple uses across Saskatchewan as one of many potential solutions to the province’s unique energy needs.
Regulatory Oversight
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), an agency of the Government of Canada, regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials in Canada to protect health, safety, security and the environment. SRC has established a wholly- owned subsidiary called SRC Nuclear Inc., which will hold the CNSC license(s) to operate microreactors. SRC is the sole shareholder.
To become an operator of a microreactor, SRC Nuclear will require a number of licenses through CNSC, including a license to prepare the site, a license to construct a facility for the microreactor, and a license to operate a microreactor.
Engagement
Robust engagement with Indigenous rights holders, the general public, government, industry and other interested parties will occur throughout these licensing processes, and will be key to the successful implementation of microreactors in Saskatchewan.
Indigenous Engagement
SRC’s Nuclear offices are situated on Treaty 6 territory and the traditional Homeland of the Métis. We strive to establish respectful, transparent, collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Nations, communities and organizations as SRC advances nuclear microreactor technology for clean energy generation, particularly in northern, remote and industrial contexts.
Our Indigenous engagement is guided by and in accordance with the CNSC’s Regulatory Document REGDOC-3.2.1, Public Information and Disclosure and Regulatory Document REGDOC-3.2.2, Indigenous Engagement. These Regulatory Documents can be found on the CNSC website.
Our Indigenous engagement activities also align with SRC’s Indigenous Action Plan.
