The Government of Ontario announced it is leveraging the expertise of Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and its subsidiary Laurentis Energy Partners to support a new collaboration agreement with SaskPower to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Saskatchewan.
“The world is watching Ontario as we deploy the world’s first grid-scale small modular reactor to power our province’s growth,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “Ontario is ready to support partners across Canada – like Saskatchewan – and around the world, leveraging the expertise of our world-class nuclear operators and supply chain to support their deployment of small modular reactors as a clean and reliable source of electricity.”
Laurentis Energy Partners and SaskPower have entered into a five-year Master Services Agreement which will support SMR deployment in Saskatchewan. Under this agreement, which will serve as a foundation for a long-term strategic partnership, Laurentis Energy Partners will leverage Ontario’s nuclear knowledge and expertise to support SaskPower’s nuclear program management, project licencing and operational readiness.
Earlier this year, SaskPower and OPG also renewed an agreement to continue working together on new nuclear development, including SMRs, in both Saskatchewan and Ontario. Under the agreement, the utilities will provide mutual support by sharing lessons learned, technical resources and expertise, best practices, and operating experience.
“With decades of experience in building, operating, and maintaining clean, reliable nuclear power generation OPG is able to help Saskatchewan add nuclear to its supply mix,” said OPG President and CEO Ken Hartwick. “Through these agreements, we are employing a fleet-style approach, which will increase efficiency and decrease cost as we deploy much-needed new nuclear generation in both provinces.”
“Based on Ontario’s leadership in the Darlington New Nuclear Project and the experience gained to date through our various international SMR collaborations, Laurentis is well positioned to provide expertise and immediate project support for SMR development in Saskatchewan,” said Laurentis Energy Partners President and CEO, Jason Van Wart. “We look forward to a long-term strategic partnership, to further strengthen the provinces’ relationship in the pursuit of a diverse and clean energy mix.”
Featured image: OPG is building North America’s first fleet of SMRs at its Darlington New Nuclear The first of four SMRs will be completed by the end of 2028, and online by the end of 2029. (OPG)
