Canada’s upcoming nuclear expansion will rely on foreign suppliers, including the United States, for the enrichment and fabrication of fuel. This shift contrasts with Canada’s historical self-reliance in nuclear supply through the Candu reactor system. Ontario is constructing the initial BWRX-300 small modular reactors in Clarington, Ont., known as the Darlington New Nuclear Project. These reactors, designed by an American-Japanese consortium, utilize low-enriched uranium, unlike Canada’s Candu reactors that use domestically produced natural uranium without enrichment.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) anticipates connecting the first BWRX-300 unit to the grid at Darlington by the end of 2030, with three more planned for the mid-2030s. The uranium ore will be mined in Saskatchewan by Cameco and then processed in Port Hope, Ont., before being enriched in the United States. Enriched uranium suppliers also include France’s Orano and Britain’s Urenco, with the final fuel assemblies manufactured in the United States.
This reliance on foreign suppliers for crucial steps in the nuclear fuel supply chain has raised concerns among experts. They argue that this approach contradicts Canada’s original nuclear program logic, which aimed at establishing an all-Canadian supply chain to avoid geopolitical risks associated with foreign dependencies.
Ontario’s decision to opt for a foreign reactor stems from the absence of a viable Canadian alternative that could meet the required electricity generation scale. While Canada has a domestic reactor in development, it does not align with Ontario’s small modular reactor (SMR) project. The move to a global supply chain for nuclear fuel exposes Ontario to potential disruptions in fuel supply during geopolitical conflicts.
Experts emphasize the importance of establishing a domestic uranium-enrichment industry to enhance Canada’s energy sovereignty and reduce long-term geopolitical risks. However, this venture would involve significant costs, security measures, and regulatory challenges. Despite the potential benefits of SMRs in terms of reduced equipment and maintenance needs, concerns remain about the economic viability and long-term liabilities associated with these reactors.
As Canada navigates its nuclear energy future, discussions around establishing domestic enrichment capabilities and managing nuclear waste from new reactor technologies will be critical considerations for ensuring energy security and sustainability.
