Nuclear in Canada
Canada's nuclear industry has a rich history, dating back to the early-20th century.
Over the decades, it has grown to become one of the
World's Most Prominent Nuclear Energy Producers.
As of today, Canada's nuclear fleet is undergoing substantial growth, particularly in the realm of large reactors.
This expansion is driven by the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy security, and leveraging its technological prowess in the nuclear sector.
Canada operates 19 Canadian-designed nuclear reactors, primarily located in Ontario, which is home to three major nuclear power stations:
Bruce, Darlington, and Pickering.
These Candu reactors collectively generate about 15% of the country’s electricity, providing a stable and low-carbon energy source for millions of Canadians.
Major Nuclear Power Stations
Bruce Power
One of the largest operating nuclear power stations in the world, Bruce boasts eight CANDU reactors with a total capacity of over 6,550 megawatts (MW). There are plans to place another four reactors which would increase the power output substantially.
Darlington
This four-CANDU reactor station has a capacity of about 3,500 MW and is undergoing significant refurbishment. Furthermore, additional small modular reactors are planned to be built on the Darlington site, which is seeing much international attention because of this.
Pickering
The nuclear station is located in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada's most populace city. Pickering's six operating reactors have a capacity of 3,100 MW. It has just recently been given permission to extend its life through refurbishment.
Uranium Mining in Canada
Canada is one of the world's leading producers of Uranium, thanks to its rich deposits and advanced mining operations. At the forefront of this industry is the Canadian company Cameco, a producer that mines 20% of the world's Uranium from Saskatchewan.
Cameco operates two of the largest and most productive uranium mines: McArthur River and Cigar Lake, both located in the Athabasca basin. McArthur River, the world's largest high-grade uranium mine, has been a significant contributor to global uranium supply since it began operations. Cigar Lake, known for its high-grade ore, has also played a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for uranium.
The Uranium mined in the prairie province of Saskatchewan gets processed through key locations along its path over northern Ontario before it gets shipped domestically or internationally. A portion of the uranium is fabricated into fuel for the Candu fleets.
Canadian nuclear reactor design Candu uses 'natural' uranium fuel meaning: its balance of uranium content is the same as what is found in high-uranium deposits below ground. This permits large Canadian reactors to operate without the need for fuel enrichment which permits fuel to be fabricated within Canada.
As the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources, the importance of uranium mining in supporting sustainable nuclear power cannot be overstated. Canada, with its rich uranium resources and established nuclear mining and processing, is well-positioned to continue playing a growing role in global energy.
While ranked 7th globally in nuclear capacity, Canada’s nuclear industry contributes $17 billion annually to the country's GDP and supports 76,000 jobs nationwide. Impressively, 93% of the supply chain is maintained within the country.
Canada's nuclear industry stands at a pivotal moment, with substantial growth in its fleet of large reactors underpinning the country's energy strategy. This expansion is not only critical for meeting climate targets but also for ensuring energy security and economic prosperity. As Canada continues to invest in nuclear technology and infrastructure, its leadership in the global nuclear industry is set to remain strong, providing a model for other nations seeking sustainable and reliable energy solutions.