Brian Zinchuk is editor and owner of Pipeline Online
In Novemeber of 2024, SIMSA assisted Westinghouse in holding a nuclear supply chain symposium in Saskatoon. Photo by Brian Zinchuk
SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA) has been awarded a major contract by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to lead a comprehensive supply chain study aimed at supporting the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
Currently four SMRs are being built by Ontario Power Generation at its Darlington New Nuclear project. SaskPower is considering building several in Saskatchewan of the same model, the GE Verona-Hitachi BWRX-300, with a final decision expected in 2029. Alberta and New Brunswick are also considering SMR deployments.
The project will deliver critical insights to help local businesses make informed investment decisions and demonstrate Saskatchewan’s supply chain capabilities to the broader nuclear industry. The study is also focused on enhancing Indigenous participation in the nuclear supply chain, SIMSA said in a release on Sept. 15.
This graphical rendering of a GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 is the first new graphic like this to be released in some time. Notably, it only shows one reactor at the site, but four are being considered. Tennessee Valley Authority.
The total funding for the project amounts to $4,015,636, comprising $2,830,385 in cash contributions from NRCan, $100,000 in cash from Cameco Corporation, and $1,085,251 in in-kind contributions from the project team and its collaborators.
This initiative will be undertaken by SIMSA in collaboration with March Consulting Associates Inc. (March), which will lead the technical study, the Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence (The Centre) as the Indigenous lead, and Westinghouse Electric Canada, which will provide nuclear expertise. The project will explore key aspects of SMR supply chain development, including manufacturing, the nuclear fuel cycle, deployment and construction, operations, and maintenance.
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Key objectives of the project include:
- Identifying the technical requirements and opportunities for SMRs in Saskatchewan.
- Evaluating the current capabilities of Saskatchewan’s supply chain and identifying gaps, opportunities, and barriers.
- Identifying capabilities, opportunities and gaps and challenges for Indigenous suppliers.
- Recommending solutions to increase Saskatchewan’s participation in Canadian SMR projects.
- Providing supply chain companies with valuable insights through three detailed case studies.
In 2023, March brought forward a proposal to SIMSA to lead this initiative for Saskatchewan. Over the past two years, the project partners have worked diligently to secure the funding for this provincial initiative.
SIMSA’s executive director Eric Anderson stated, “SIMSA is proud to lead this important initiative to grow the nuclear supply chain, in partnership with both our funders and collaborators.”
Ritu Malhotra, March’s president & CEO said, “In collaboration with our project partners, we are excited to help lay a foundation for a future-ready nuclear ecosystem in the province, driven by a resilient and innovative local supply chain.”
Sheldon Wuttunnee. Photo by Brian Zinchuk
Sheldon Wuttunee, president & CEO, Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence said, “First Nations enterprises are strategic assets in Saskatchewan’s energy transition, ensuring that the build-out of the nuclear supply chain and electricity system is grounded in shared prosperity. By fully integrating First Nations into these opportunities, governments and industry can advance reconciliation while driving sustainable growth.
The project will incorporate the input and insights of additional key participants, including: SaskPower Corporation, Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan (CIC), GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), as well as SIMSA members, such as Industrial Machine & Mfg. Inc, Graham Nuclear Ltd., the Indigenous Manufacturing and Contracting Network (IMCN), and the South East Tech Hub.
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0093 Estevan OTS 20250093 Estevan OTS 2025
- 0101 VP Energy Road to adventure0101 VP Energy Road to adventure
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0053 Kingston Midstream Westspur Alameda Click Before You Dig0053 Kingston Midstream Westspur Alameda Click Before You Dig
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0087 Lori Carr Coal Expansion0087 Lori Carr Coal Expansion
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0076 Latus only0076 Latus only
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001