Alberta 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, Alberta's government 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. 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. It also has the potential to enhance grid reliability and affordability, create jobs and help power new, energy-intensive industries and technologies.
"Alberta is at the centre of Canada's growth, and with that growth comes the responsibility to secure the next generation of energy. Nuclear power has the potential to expand our grid, support new industries and keep pace with rising demand. This engagement gives Albertans a real voice in shaping our future, while positioning our province to lead the way in innovative, responsible energy development."
Danielle Smith, Premier
"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."
Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities
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 diverse experience and leadership in industry, academia and Indigenous government:
- Deron Bilous, senior vice-president of Western Canada, Counsel Public Affairs
- Tim Boston, principal, Boston Edge Strategies Inc.
- Stephen Buffalo, president and CEO, Indian Resource Council of Canada
- Rudiger Tscherning, fellow on Nuclear Law and Policy, University of Calgary
- Harrie Vredenburg, professor of Strategy and Global Management, University of Calgary
"Nuclear power has the potential to play an important part in meeting Alberta's future energy needs. 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."
Chantelle de Jonge, parliamentary secretary, Affordability and Utilities
The Nuclear Energy Development survey is available online and will be open until Sept. 25. Feedback will inform future engagement activities. Alberta's government 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.
"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."
George Christidis, president and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association
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.
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