Data centers, AI, and high-performance computing are pushing the grid to its limits, and today’s power infrastructure can’t keep up. The world needs a scalable, carbon-free, and 24/7 reliable energy source to fuel this next era of innovation.
That’s where small modular reactors (SMRs) come in —a transformational breakthrough in nuclear energy that could provide the scalable, carbon-free power needed to fuel the AI revolution.
As the world faces an urgent need for secure and sustainable energy, SMRs provide a powerful solution. They can stabilize power grids stressed by fluctuating renewable sources, supply off-grid locations with reliable electricity, and even support industrial operations that require consistent energy output. With AI-driven demand skyrocketing, SMRs offer an adaptable way to ensure uninterrupted power while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Unlike traditional, massive nuclear reactors, SMRs are smaller, safer, and faster to deploy. This adaptability makes them an ideal solution for a world hungry for clean and reliable energy to support AI, digital infrastructure, industrial expansion, and the world’s energy problem.
And Canada is uniquely positioned to lead this shift. The country has spent decades developing advanced nuclear technology, and now, it’s becoming a global frontrunner in SMR deployment.
Why SMRs Are the Key to the AI-Powered Grid
The AI-driven energy crisis is here, and SMRs offer a game-changing solution. Here’s why they matter:
- Scalable Power: SMRs generate between 2 MWe and 300 MWe, making them perfect for both large urban centers and off-grid applications.
- Carbon-Free Energy: AI expansion is pushing electricity demand to new heights. SMRs deliver clean, emissions-free power that can replace fossil fuels.
- Rapid Deployment: Traditional reactors take a decade or more to build. SMRs are designed for faster construction, lower costs, and flexible deployment.
- Lower Fuel Requirements: SMRs consume less fuel compared to older reactors.
- Extended Refueling Intervals: Most SMRs require refueling only every 3-7 years.
- Long-Term Operation: Some designs can run for up to 30 years before needing refueling.
With over 80 SMR designs in development worldwide, the race to deploy next-generation nuclear technology is well underway. While many remain in the early stages, a handful are nearing commercialization. Meanwhile, both established and emerging nuclear nations, such as Canada, continue to invest in SMR research, pushing the industry toward a future of more flexible and efficient nuclear power.
Canada Is A Global SMR Leader, Major Projects Underway
For over 75 years, Canada has been at the forefront of nuclear innovation. From pioneering research in Chalk River to developing the world-renowned CANDU reactors, Canada’s nuclear expertise is second to none.
And now, with SMRs, Canada is leading the charge once again.
Canada’s SMR Action Plan is a national strategy to develop, deploy, and export SMR technology worldwide. It’s a collaborative effort—government, utilities, Indigenous communities, and industry leaders are working together to position Canada as the top supplier of next-gen nuclear technology.
Canada is stepping in as one of the leading SMR producers. Currently, 4 main projects are the main force behind Canada’s future dominance.
- Global First Power – Proposed SMR at Chalk River, Ontario, a hub for nuclear innovation.
- NB Power ARC-100 – SMR planned for New Brunswick, alongside the Point Lepreau CANDU reactor.
- OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project – First-of-its-kind GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR, set to power 300,000 homes.
- SaskPower’s SMR Initiative – Saskatchewan’s early-stage planning for nuclear deployment with GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 design.
The global SMR market is projected to hit $150 billion to $300 billion annually by 2040. Canada is uniquely positioned to capture a major market share, thanks to its decades of nuclear expertise and early investments in SMR technology.
By 2050, Canada will need 85 SMRs, requiring an estimated investment of $102 billion to $226 billion. But the payoff? A clean energy revolution that powers AI fuels economic growth and cements Canada as a nuclear powerhouse.
At the heart of SMRs is uranium, the fundamental fuel that powers these reactors. Canada, home to some of the world’s highest-grade uranium deposits, is also well-positioned to supply the global market as SMR deployment expands. With ongoing advancements in alternative nuclear fuels like thorium and high-assay low-enriched uranium, the efficiency and sustainability of SMRs will continue to evolve, reinforcing their role as the next-generation energy solution.
With major projects underway and a vast supply of high-grade uranium, Canada is set to fuel the next wave of nuclear power worldwide. As SMRs move from development to deployment, the country’s early investments and expertise will pay off, driving economic growth, energy security, and a sustainable future.