Courtesy/Alberta government

By Jesse Gill

GOVERNMENT

Alberta government to launch public engagement to explore nuclear energy

Aug 25, 2025 | 1:24 PM

The Alberta government announced on Monday that it is launching a public engagement to explore nuclear energy’s potential to meet the future needs of families, businesses and communities.

As part of the first phase, the government said it is appointing an expert panel to engage with people across the province, as well as launching a public survey to help inform a nuclear energy roadmap for Alberta.

With increasing demand for electricity, fuelled by population growth, many jurisdictions in Canada and around the world are advancing nuclear energy development, a government release said.

The government added that as a source of safe, reliable, emissions-free energy, nuclear power has emerged as a viable option for growing energy needs while supporting responsible decarbonization goals.

Potential to enhance grid reliability and affordability, create jobs and help power new, energy-intensive industries and technologies are other factors the government mentioned.

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“Alberta is at the centre of Canada’s growth, and with that growth comes the responsibility to secure the next generation of energy,” Premier Danielle Smith said.

“Nuclear power has the potential to expand our grid, support new industries and keep pace with rising demand,” she added.

“This engagement gives Albertans a real voice in shaping our future, while positioning our province to lead the way in innovative, responsible energy development.”

Minister of affordability and utilities Nathan Neudorf said as demand for electricity grows, affordability and reliability must remain at the heart of our system.

“Exploring nuclear energy is about ensuring Albertans have access to dependable, emissions-free power that can support families, businesses and communities for generations,” Neudorf said.

The Nuclear Energy Engagement and Advisory Panel will lead a range of engagement activities, gather input and deliver a report with recommendations on how Alberta could enable a nuclear energy industry.

The panel will be chaired by affordability and utilities parliamentary secretary Chantelle de Jonge and includes five additional members with experience and leadership in industry.

“Nuclear power has the potential to play an important part in meeting Alberta’s future energy needs,” de Jonge said.

“I’m proud to lead a panel that will provide people in Alberta with the opportunity to have their say and shape the future of energy in our province.”

The Nuclear Energy Development survey will be open online from now until Sept. 25, 2025.

The Alberta government said it has also proactively reached out to Indigenous communities across the province to help determine the best approach for meaningful engagement and to foster early relationship building.

Industry, municipalities, Indigenous communities and others are also invited to share their input through an online request for information which will be open until Oct. 25, 2025.

Canadian Nuclear Association president and CEO George Christidis said nuclear energy is ready to meet Alberta’s growing needs.

“We applaud the province’s forward-thinking leadership in exploring nuclear’s ability to provide a secure and prosperous energy future,” Christidis said.

The next phase of engagement will feature in-person meetings and engagement sessions with Indigenous communities, municipalities and industry and begin later this year.

Engagement activities will continue into 2026.