Nuclear power generation and electricity solutions in Edmonton, Alberta

Alberta is actively exploring nuclear power generation to address the province's escalating electricity demands, driven by rapid population growth and the emergence of energy-intensive AI data centers.

 

Premier Danielle Smith is set to deliver a televised address tonight, outlining the province's pre-budget strategy, population growth, and financial outlook.

 

In recent years, Alberta has experienced a surge in electricity consumption, largely due to the expansion of AI data centers in the Edmonton region.

 

These facilities require substantial and continuous power to support complex computing operations.

 

According to recent reports, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has allocated all 1,200 megawatts of electricity available under its temporary cap for large-load projects to two proposed data centers near Edmonton.

 

TransAlta's Keephills project received 230 megawatts, while 970 megawatts were assigned to a Pembina Pipeline proposal that could evolve into a major Meta AI data center.

 

This allocation underscores the pressing need for additional power sources to accommodate the growing demand.

 

In response to these challenges, the Alberta government has initiated a comprehensive engagement process to assess the feasibility of integrating nuclear energy into the province's power grid.

 

An expert panel is gathering feedback from Albertans, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders to understand perspectives on potential nuclear energy development.

 

The engagement aims to explore how nuclear power could provide reliable baseload power and support industrial applications, such as in the oil sands, while reducing emissions.

 

Several initiatives are underway to advance nuclear energy in Alberta.

 

Energy Alberta is proposing the construction of two twin CANDU MONARK nuclear reactors near Peace River, approximately 30 kilometers north of the town.

 

The Peace River Nuclear Power Project would cover 1,424 hectares and operate for approximately 70 years, generating up to 4,800 megawatts of electricity per year.

 

On April 11, 2025, Energy Alberta submitted the project's initial description to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, marking the beginning of the planning phase.

 

Additionally, Capital Power Corporation, an Alberta-based utility, has partnered with Ontario Power Generation to assess the feasibility of developing small modular reactors (SMRs) in Alberta.

 

Over the next two years, the companies will evaluate potential ownership and operating structures for SMRs, which are being pursued globally to meet the growing demand for clean electricity and energy security.

 

Furthermore, Westinghouse Electric Company and Energy Alberta have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on deploying an advanced AP1000® modular reactor in Alberta.

 

This agreement establishes a framework for joint technical and commercial discussions, business development efforts, and engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities.

 

These developments align with the federal government's commitment to support nuclear power for data centers.

 

A recent energy plan released in partnership with Alberta outlines support for the development of nuclear power to meet the increasing electricity demand driven by data centers.

 

The plan includes commitments to develop a nuclear power strategy by the end of 2026 and to significantly expand electricity transmission links between western Canadian provinces.

 

As Alberta continues to experience rapid growth in AI data centers, the province is proactively exploring nuclear power generation as a viable solution to meet the rising electricity demand.

 

Through collaborative efforts with industry partners and engagement with the public, Alberta aims to develop a sustainable and reliable energy infrastructure that supports economic growth and technological advancement.