Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance regional nuclear energy generation and expand electricity transmission infrastructure across Western Canada and the North.
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Announced on Sept. 14, the agreement establishes a framework for the three jurisdictions to collaborate on nuclear technologies, including large-scale reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors. The partnership aims to address growing electricity demand while enhancing grid security, reliability, and long-term energy affordability.
“Alberta’s economy is growing, and we need more reliable power to keep that growth going,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in a statement. “Nuclear energy has enormous potential to provide dependable power for our homes and businesses and support the continued growth of our energy sector.”
Under the terms of the memorandum, the three governments will align efforts on technology selection, project financing, environmental assessments, regulatory approvals, uranium fuel supply logistics and nuclear waste management.
The agreement also focuses on expanding interprovincial and territorial transmission lines, or interties, to enable smoother electricity flow between grids. Officials said stronger interconnections will support the integration of multiple energy sources, including nuclear, natural gas, wind, solar, hydro and battery storage.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe highlighted the necessity of joint infrastructure planning for regional resilience.
“By partnering with Alberta and the Northwest Territories, we can explore opportunities to advance nuclear energy, strengthen regional transmission connections and support the long-term resiliency of our electricity systems,” Moe said.
For the Northwest Territories, the agreement offers a potential pathway to tap into southern energy generation. N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson noted that stronger grid connections could yield significant economic opportunities for northern communities.
“With new generation opportunities close to the NWT’s southern border currently being examined, we need to understand what that could mean for us and how we can benefit,” Simpson said.
The interjurisdictional agreement builds on previous nuclear initiatives in the region. Alberta released its Nuclear Energy Engagement and Advisory Panel report earlier this year and is scheduled to publish a comprehensive nuclear energy roadmap in early 2027. Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick previously signed a joint strategic plan for SMR deployment in 2022.
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