5 Reasons Why Canada Needs More Nuclear Power Plants

This past summer, the federal government released its Nuclear Energy Strategy, which aims to enable the construction of up to ten new large-scale reactors across Canada, with two under construction by 2035 and five more planned or under development by 2040 ^[1]. In Ontario, construction is already underway on the G7's first grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR) at Darlington ^[2], while in provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan, both large-scale and SMR builds are being touted as potential go-to sources for future electricity supply.

Today, Canadian nuclear power development has a strong tailwind, and we must sustain progress and support for these major energy projects. Since the 1970s, nuclear reactors have kept the lights on in Ontario and New Brunswick, supported tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and built a world-class supply chain right here at home ^[3]. The sector has helped us immensely over the years; it deserves ours in return.

Below, we explore five important reasons why Canada needs more nuclear power plants. To learn more about Canadian nuclear power.

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#1 - Canada's electricity demand is set to soar

Canada will need far more electricity in the years ahead. A study commissioned by the Canadian Nuclear Association estimates that by 2050, Canada’s electricity demand could double or even triple from today's levels ^[4].

Major drivers of rising power demand include vehicle electrification, heating, and industry, while emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, data centres, battery manufacturing, and hydrogen could add immense electricity demand over the next several years.

Canada could need 150 gigawatts (GW) of additional firm generation by mid-century, including 115 GW of new baseload power, which is more than twice Canada's existing combined nuclear and hydro baseload capacity ^[4]. Simply put, we can't meet that kind of growth without building more nuclear power plants across the country – whether it be large-scale reactors in Ontario, SMRs in Alberta and Saskatchewan, or mini-reactors in the territories.

#2 - Nuclear power plants provide reliable, around-the-clock electricity

Homes, hospitals, factories and data centres need power 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no matter the weather or time of day. Nuclear is one of the few sources which can deliver the safe, reliable, around-the-clock electricity at scale that Canadians need.

Today, nuclear power generates about 13 per cent of Canada's electricity from 17 reactors in Ontario and New Brunswick ^[5]. In Ontario – Canada’s most prolific nuclear power province – nuclear accounted for about 48.2 per cent of electricity generation in 2025 ^[6]. These power plants keep the lights on come rain or shine, and keep delivering for Canadians year after year.

The economics of more nuclear electricity supply is favourable for Canadians, too. Over a 40-to-60-year lifespan, nuclear's capital costs are estimated to be less than half of renewables, while total costs for ratepayers could be up to 60 per cent less with nuclear in the mix ^[4]. Reliable power at a competitive cost is exactly what Canadian families and businesses need.

To be clear, Canadians need an all-of-the-above solution to meet our growing electricity needs. That includes nuclear, but also hydro, wind, solar, natural gas, geothermal, and other sources that can help build a strong, energy-secure Canada.

#3 - Nuclear creates good-paying jobs and offers a big economic boost

Nuclear power is already one of Canada's great economic success stories. The sector is responsible for about 90,000 direct and indirect jobs and adds $22 billion to Canada's economy every year, with 90 per cent of jobs in the industry itself in high-skilled roles ^[5]. Canada is also home to over 250 companies supporting a near-fully domestic nuclear supply chain ^[1].

New nuclear power plants would build on that strength. Ontario's four SMRs at Darlington are expected to create 18,000 jobs during construction and 3,700 jobs during operation, while contributing $38.5 billion to Canada's GDP over 65 years ^[2]. The project will also inject $500 million annually into the Canadian supply chain, with 80 per cent of project spending going to Ontario companies ^[2].

The proposed Bruce C project on Lake Huron is even bigger. An economic impact assessment prepared for the project proponent estimates it would contribute more than $238 billion to Canada’s GDP over its 80-year lifespan and support 18,900 jobs nationally during site preparation and construction, plus an additional 6,700 jobs once it is running ^[7]. Ontario is also exploring further large-scale options, including its Wesleyville site ^[2], which could contribute an estimated $264 billion to Canada’s GDP over its 85-year lifecycle, including $235 billion to Ontario’s GDP ^[8].

These aren’t small numbers; they represent an immense economic opportunity that Canadians should reach out and seize.

Developing new Canadian nuclear reactors will provide long-term careers in skilled trades, engineering and operations, anchored by assets that keep delivering value for Canadian communities for generations. Ottawa's strategy even aims to double the nuclear workforce by 2050 ^[5].

#4 - Canada has the uranium and the know-how to fuel it all

Few countries are as well-positioned for nuclear power as Canada. We are the world's second-largest uranium producer. In 2024, we produced roughly 24 per cent of total global uranium output, with about 90 per cent exported to fuel reactors worldwide ^[5].

Canadian uranium comes from Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin, home to the world's largest high-grade uranium deposits ^[1]. McArthur River and Cigar Lake are the world's largest and highest-grade uranium mines ^[9]. In 2024, uranium mining and milling contributed about $2.6 billion to Canada's economy and directly employed over 3,400 Canadians, nearly half of whom are workers and residents of northern Saskatchewan ^[5].

There is also a strong Indigenous partnership case for more nuclear power plant development. Canada’s federal strategy commits to increasing Indigenous equity participation in nuclear generation projects, alongside broader economic opportunities for Indigenous communities ^[1]. The Darlington SMR financing model, for example, was designed to allow for additional Indigenous investment ^[2].

#5 - The world wants more nuclear, and Canada can deliver

Nuclear energy is rebounding globally. Support for expanding nuclear power is now in place in more than 40 countries ^[9], and 38 countries have endorsed the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050 ^[1].

Canada is ready to answer that call. When the world looks for a stable, democratic and reliable partner for nuclear fuel, technology and expertise, Canada should be first in line, strengthening our energy security and our trade relationships in the process.

Canada Needs More Nuclear Electricity

Canada has already seen what nuclear power can do. Our current reactor fleet keeps the lights on for millions of Canadians, supports about 90,000 jobs, and adds $22 billion to our economy every year ^[5]. The Bruce C Nuclear Project alone could generate enough electricity to support 4.8 million Canadian homes ^[11].

More nuclear power plants would build on that success. They would help meet soaring electricity demand, provide reliable around-the-clock power, create good-paying jobs, put Canadian uranium and know-how to work, and position Canada as a global leader as nuclear investment rises worldwide.

The bottom line is clear. If Canada wants a stronger, more prosperous and more energy-secure future, we need to build more nuclear power plants. Join us today to learn more!

The world needs more Canadian mining! https://t.co/AtuB4x4Fim

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) November 2, 2026

SOURCES:

_{1 - https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-sources/nuclear-energy-uranium/nuclear-energy-strategy-canada}

_{2 - https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006638/ontario-investing-1-billion-to-build-small-modular-reactors-at-darlington}

_{3 - https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-a-f/canada-nuclear-power}

_{4 - https://cna.ca/2025/09/15/canada-faces-unprecedented-electricity-demand-growth-nuclear-energy-critical-to-meeting-2050-needs/}

_{5 - https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2026/06/government-of-canada-launches-nuclear-energy-strategy.html}

_{6 - https://www.ieso.ca/Learn/Ontario-Electricity-Grid/Supply-Mix-and-Generation}

_{7 - https://world-nuclear-news.org/articles/bruce-c-project-would-boost-gdp-by-cad238-billion}

_{8 - https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005585/ontario-exploring-new-nuclear-energy-generation-in-port-hope}

_{9 - https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-a-f/canada-uranium}

_{10 - https://www.iea.org/reports/the-path-to-a-new-era-for-nuclear-energy}

_{11 - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/bruce-power-nuclear-project-9.7222292}