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HALIFAX – Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce recently joined Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston in Halifax to sign an agreement to collaborate on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).

According to a release, the two provinces will:

• Share knowledge and expertise on SMR development, including new technologies, regulatory frameworks, supply chain capacity, economic and financial modelling, nuclear waste management and public and Indigenous engagement.
• Raise public awareness about the economic and environmental benefits of nuclear energy from SMRs.
• Collaborate with other provinces and territories to accelerate SMR adoption nationwide.
• Advocate to the federal government for stronger support and streamlined regulatory processes to enable the deployment of SMRs across the country.

“The world is watching Ontario as we lead the largest expansion of nuclear energy on the continent and build the G7’s first small modular reactor,” said Lecce in a release. “Through this important clean energy partnership with Nova Scotia, we are helping to advance small modular reactor technology to create good-paying jobs across the country.

“Small modular reactor deployment is an anchor of our nation-building plan that will create 18,000 construction jobs and add $500 million annually into Ontario’s economy.”

The same day this announcement was made, the federal and Ontario governments  announced they are putting a total of $3 billion toward the Darlington New Nuclear project to build four small nuclear reactors in Clarington, Ont.

Each SMR has the potential to produce 300 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, enough to power 300,000 homes.

“Nova Scotia is open to exploring the full range of clean energy options that can help meet our province’s future energy needs, build grid resilience and protect ratepayers,” said Houston. “We have an opportunity to learn from Ontario’s experience deploying nuclear technology and I see great value in this partnership to inform system planning and best practices for Nova Scotia.”