Insider Brief
- Energy Alberta has submitted its Initial Project Description for the proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project, triggering a federal impact assessment for what could become Alberta’s first commercial nuclear facility.
- The project would feature up to four CANDU Monark reactors generating 4,800 MW, providing consistent, zero-emission power and supporting Canada’s net-zero goals while creating up to 5,000 construction jobs and 3,000 operational roles.
- The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission will evaluate environmental, economic, health, and Indigenous impacts, with a public comment period open through May 14.
The proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project in northern Alberta took a step forward as Energy Alberta submitted its initial application to Canadian regulators, launching what is expected to be a multi-year federal impact assessment.
The project would be the first commercial nuclear plant in Alberta and one of the largest in Canada, according to the company. If approved, it would include two to four CANDU Monark reactors and be licensed to generate up to 4,800 megawatts of electricity.
“Our goal is to help build a new, secure and sustainable economy for all Albertans utilizing Canda’s world-class CANDU® nuclear technology,” said CEO & President of Energy Alberta Scott Henuset said in a company statement. “Canada’s nuclear industry is already a robust economic engine creating high-paying jobs and generating significant revenue for governments and it’s time to bring these opportunities to Alberta.”
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission will jointly review the project. Their evaluation will examine potential effects on the environment, economy, public health, and Indigenous communities. A public comment period on the project’s Initial Project Description is open through May 14 on the IAAC website.
Nuclear power has received renewed attention as Canada pushes to triple its nuclear capacity by 2050 in pursuit of net-zero emissions. CANDU reactors, which run on natural uranium mined domestically, offer energy security and reduced reliance on imported fuels, a key point for officials amid growing geopolitical volatility.
Unlike intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar, nuclear plants provide consistent power output, which utilities value for grid stability. Proponents argue that base-load nuclear electricity, combined with renewables, offers a path to deep decarbonization without sacrificing reliability.
The project would also deliver substantial employment benefits, with peak construction expected to create 5,000 jobs and another 2,000 to 3,000 during the operations phase. The company said these would include both direct positions at the plant and indirect roles in supporting sectors.
“Energy Alberta has been actively engaged with local communities and Indigenous Nations and we are committed to responsible and transparent relationships throughout the life of the Project,” added Henuset. “By working closely and in consideration of local interests, we will ensure the Project benefits all Albertans while remaining aligned with our core values of safety, sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
CANDU, which stands for Canada Deuterium Uranium, is a reactor design developed domestically and exported to several countries. Its use of natural uranium simplifies the fuel cycle and supports Canadian mining and processing sectors. The Monark version planned for Peace River represents the latest evolution of this design.
Energy Alberta was founded in 2005 and has assembled a team with backgrounds in nuclear engineering, energy policy, and environmental sustainability. The company describes the Peace River project as a strategic step in diversifying Alberta’s power mix.
The Impact Assessment process includes multiple stages of public input and technical review. Only after its completion will the federal government decide whether the project can proceed.
