Westinghouse Electric Company and Energy Alberta have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore deploying Westinghouse’s AP1000 advanced modular reactor in Alberta’s Peace River region.
This collaboration aims to establish Western Canada’s first nuclear power plant, supporting Alberta’s goal of building a clean, reliable energy system and diversifying its industrial base.
The partnership will involve joint technical and commercial studies, business development, and community engagement initiatives, building on Energy Alberta’s ongoing consultations with Indigenous Nations and local communities.
Scott Henuset, CEO of Energy Alberta, called the collaboration “a significant step forward” toward a clean, reliable, and sustainable energy future, emphasizing the project’s potential to bring economic growth, industrial expansion, and job creation to Alberta.
Nathan Neudorf, Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities, stated that the agreement reflects “strong momentum” toward meeting Alberta’s energy needs and emphasized the importance of public engagement on nuclear energy.
John Gorman, President of Westinghouse Canada, highlighted that Alberta is poised to be Canada’s next greenfield nuclear province, noting opportunities for a “made-in-Alberta” supply chain and skilled trades employment.
The AP1000 is an advanced Generation III modular reactor, fully operational and ready for Canadian deployment. A four-unit AP1000 facility could power three million homes, contribute CA$28.7 billion to GDP during construction, and add CA$8.1 billion annually during operation.
The proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project aims for a capacity of up to 4,800 megawatts, about 25% of Alberta’s current electricity generation. An initial project description was submitted to the federal government in April 2025, initiating an impact assessment. Construction could start later this decade, with potential operation by 2035.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
