Terrence McEacherna reports that as a significant Canadian producer of uranium, it might seem odd that Saskatchewan has not subscribed to nuclear power as an energy source. But Dr. Duane Bratt would like to see that change with as many as five nuclear reactors operational in the province in the near future. Dr. Bratt, Chair and Professor in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University, presented his ideas Friday at the University of Regina. Rather than build one large nuclear reactor, Bratt proposes that Saskatchewan could benefit from five, 50-megawatt small modular reactors, or SMRs. A reason for five is in the event that one requires maintenance; the other four can remain operational. Modular reactors are similar to modular homes in that there is no large construction project. Instead, the parts would be built, transported to Saskatchewan and assembled upon arrival. Also, unlike contemporary reactors, SMRs would be sunk in the ground. One possible location for a reactor would be at the remote uranium mine sites in northern Saskatchewan. Sort of a cradle-to-grave cycle of the nuclear fuel cycle, he said. A company in Oregon is currently working on prototypes for SMRs. In terms of the concern over nuclear waste, Bratt noted that it has been stored for decades and is not active in the environment. He added that more research needs to be done in how to recycle or reprocess nuclear waste, but even if all of the reactors were shut down, the wastes would be of relatively small volume. But, he added that coal is incredibly dirty because of air quality and emissions. Nuclear energy, he argued, is a cleaner and more efficient way of producing energy. As well, Saskatchewan could take advantage of the existing uranium industry.
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