Premier Danielle Smith, Premier Scott Moe and Premier R.J. Simpson (Source: Alberta.ca)
September 14th, 2026
Today, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the three jurisdictions that will establish a framework to collaborate and share information on nuclear energy generation and electricity transmission interties across the region.
The agreement builds on several years of growing interest in nuclear energy across Western Canada. In 2022, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, and New Brunswick signed a joint strategic plan focused on the development of both small modular reactors (SMRs) and conventional nuclear power. Prior to that, Saskatchewan’s power utility SaskPower had been studying and developing potential SMR projects and had identified two sites for the projects at Elbow, Saskatchewan (near Lake Diefenbaker) and Estevan, Saskatchewan.
More recently, Alberta has been moving forward with developing the regulatory structure necessary to support the development of nuclear technology. In April of this year, the Alberta Government released the final report of the Nuclear Energy Engagement and Advisory Panel, which is expected to inform a provincial nuclear energy roadmap the government expects to release in 2027.
Today’s announcement – while indicating collaboration and information sharing between the three jurisdictions on large-scale nuclear reactors, small modular reactors and microgenerators and regional transmission infrastructure – did not go so far as to identify specific generation projects.
With respect to intertie capacity between the two provinces, Alberta and Saskatchewan previously signed an MOU in 2024 to explore expanded intertie capacity between their electricity grids, but to date, that expansion has not materialized. This new MOU (which now includes the Northwest Territories) not only sets the stage for expanded intertie capacity between Alberta and Saskatchewan, but for the first time will potentially see the connection of their grids to the Northwest Territories.
NWT’s Premier R.J. Simpson said that “Stronger connections between our electricity grids could create real opportunities for the North. 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.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated “Nuclear energy has enormous potential to provide dependable power for our homes and businesses and support the continued growth of our energy sector.”
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said “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.”
To view the MOU, please visit: Energy agreement
What’s Next?
Today’s announcement was short on details related to locations of the intertie lines and potential nuclear reactors, plus the type of technology that would be used and the cost-sharing of it all. These are important details that need to be clarified in the coming months and years.
We’re Here to Help
For more information and insights about what these developments mean for the political landscape in Canada, please reach out to our experts:
Darin Banadyga – Senior Strategy Advisor
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306.213.8211
Theo Bryson – Senior Strategy Advisor
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Grant McLellan – Vice President
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