🍁💵 Ontario and Yukon Working Together to Advance Small Modular Reactor Development

Wednesday, 22 April 2026 04:25.PM

- Partnership agreement will leverage Ontario’s nuclear expertise to unlock the potential of clean, reliable nuclear energy -

Today, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce joined Yukon Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ted Laking to sign a new partnership agreement that represents the first steps toward deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Yukon. This agreement marks another critical step to strengthening Canada’s nuclear leadership and unlocking economic growth in Northern and remote regions of the country. As part of this agreement, Ontario Power Generation and Yukon Energy will collaborate on the necessary groundwork to deploy SMRs to Yukon’s grid.

Ontario is a global leader in nuclear power with the proven safe and successful operation of our three nuclear generating stations and delivering large-scale refurbishments on-time and on-budget. The agreement leverages this expertise to strengthen Canada’s energy security and long-term sustainability for Yukon, while showcasing Ontario’s role as a reliable partner and exporter of clean nuclear energy expertise.

“Ontario is building the western world’s first small modular reactor, with a focus on exporting this clean technology across Canada, from coast to coast to coast,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines. “This agreement sets the stage for Ontario to support Yukon’s energy expansion to deliver affordable, reliable power for generations. As Ontario leads the continent’s largest nuclear expansion creating 150,000 jobs, we will continue to play an outsized role supporting Canadian economic growth and energy security.”

Together, Ontario and Yukon will:
• Share knowledge and information related to nuclear energy, SMRs and microreactors including technological readiness, regulatory frameworks, supply chains, economics and financing, nuclear waste management and public and Indigenous engagement
• Develop and implement effective provincial and territorial energy policies
• Share best regulatory practices to support the development of strong and effective electricity markets

“Energy is a scarce resource in the Yukon and our electricity grid is under strain and will soon be unable to meet the needs of the territory,” said Ted Laking, Yukon Minister for Energy, Mines and Resources. “We were in a challenging position this past winter as it became evident, we require significant investment in new generation capacity that we can rely on in our coldest and darkest months of the year. That said we must also keep on eye on solutions to our winter energy challenges that do not rely on fossil fuels. That is why we are excited to partner with Ontario on taking the steps necessary to see if SMR technology can help the territory meet its energy needs and help achieve our objectives of population and economic growth."

The agreement also states that the two governments will explore opportunities to collaborate on other mutually beneficial energy projects and initiatives, including the development of microreactors in locations off the electricity grid, such as remote communities and mines.

Across Canada’s North, including the Yukon, growing energy demand, aging infrastructure and continued reliance on diesel generation in remote communities are creating demand challenges. With just over 150 megawatts of installed capacity, Yukon’s electricity system faces constraints that make it difficult to support new mining projects, economic development and population growth. At the same time, jurisdictions across Canada are competing to secure clean, dependable power sources to drive investment and strengthen energy security. Without coordinated action and access to technologies like small modular reactors, northern and remote regions risk falling behind, facing higher costs, reduced competitiveness and missed opportunities for long-term growth.

Today’s announcement builds on recent work done by Ontario to advance national energy security by launching a first-of-its-kind interprovincial-territorial partnership to build transmission infrastructure and transform Canada into an energy superpower. To date, Ontario has brought together British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories to advance new electricity transmission projects and strategic interties across Canada.

SMRs play a central role in Energy for Generations, the government’s integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power it needs to power new homes and drive economic growth. The government’s integrated approach and record investments in energy infrastructure are also providing the certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.

Quick Facts

• In 2024, Yukon had a total installed electricity generating capacity of 152.1 megawatts (MW).

SOURCE: Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines

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