Canada Unveils Strategy to Boost Nuclear Energy Development

Canada on Monday released a new strategy to boost its nuclear energy development, according to Natural Resources Canada, the federal department responsible for the country’s natural resources.

The strategy outlines plans to facilitate the construction of up to 10 new large-scale nuclear reactors across the country, with two reactors targeted to be under construction by 2035 and five more planned or in development by 2040.

It also details plans to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors and demonstrate a Canadian-made micro reactor by 2035 for operation in remote communities by the late 2030s.

Furthermore, the strategy sets a target to secure Canada’s Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor technology in at least four new international markets by 2040. It also aims to establish cooperation with six to 10 newcomer nuclear markets within 15 years.

A draft policy on federal funding for nuclear power plant projects will be released in April 2027, the department said, adding that Canada projects its uranium exports to double by 2035 compared to 2024 levels.

Currently, nuclear power generates about 13 percent of Canada’s electricity. The country operates 17 CANDU reactors in Ontario and New Brunswick, while Canadian nuclear technology is also used in 26 reactors across six other countries.