TORONTO — The Ontario and Yukon governments have signed a new partnership agreement that represents the first steps toward deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Yukon.
As part of the agreement, Ontario Power Generation and Yukon Energy will collaborate on the necessary groundwork to deploy SMRs to that province’s grid, explains a release.
The agreement leverages Ontario’s expertise to strengthen Canada’s energy security and long-term sustainability for Yukon, while showcasing Ontario’s role as a reliable partner and exporter of clean nuclear energy expertise.
Specifically the two will:
- Share knowledge and information related to nuclear energy, SMRs and microreactors including technological readiness, regulatory frameworks, supply chains, economics and financing, nuclear waste management and public and Indigenous engagement;
- develop and implement effective provincial and territorial energy policies; and
- share best regulatory practices.
“Energy is a scarce resource in the Yukon and our electricity grid is under strain and will soon be unable to meet the needs of the territory,” said Ted Laking, Yukon minister for energy, mines and resources, in a statement. “We were in a challenging position this past winter as it became evident, we require significant investment in new generation capacity that we can rely on in our coldest and darkest months of the year. That said we must also keep on eye on solutions to our winter energy challenges that do not rely on fossil fuels. That is why we are excited to partner with Ontario on taking the steps necessary to see if SMR technology can help the territory meet its energy needs and help achieve our objectives of population and economic growth.”
The agreement also states the two governments will explore opportunities to collaborate on other mutually beneficial energy projects and initiatives, including the development of microreactors in locations off the electricity grid, such as remote communities and mines.
