Alberta Advances Public Consultation for 4.8 GW Peace River Nuclear Power Project
Key Insights
The Peace River Nuclear Power Project proposes two twin Candu Monark reactors with a 4,800 MW capacity, marking Alberta's first large-scale nuclear initiative.
Public input sessions are underway, with local jurisdictions forming a joint committee to advocate for the project's economic benefits, including 8,500 jobs.
Regulatory approval is targeted for 2028, with construction starting in 2029 and full operation by 2043, pending impact assessments and stakeholder feedback.
The project faces scrutiny over environmental and infrastructure impacts, with Indigenous and community engagement playing a key role in the approval process.
The Peace River Nuclear Power Project, a landmark 4,800-megawatt nuclear initiative proposed for northern Alberta, has entered its public consultation phase, signaling a critical step toward potential approval. Calgary-based Energy Alberta aims to build two twin Candu Monark reactors on a 1,424-hectare site 30 kilometers north of Peace River, with operations projected to span 70 years. If greenlit, this would be Alberta's first large-scale nuclear power plant, addressing both energy demands and economic revitalization in the region.
Local jurisdictions, including the Town of Peace River and Northern Lights County, have formed a joint committee to champion the project, citing its transformative economic potential. Northern Lights County Reeve Terry Ungarian emphasized the project's significance, calling it a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" that could generate 3,500 permanent jobs and 5,000 construction roles. Public workshops and town halls are now underway to address community concerns, ranging from environmental impacts to housing and infrastructure strain.
The regulatory timeline is ambitious, with Energy Alberta targeting a 2028 approval and construction start by 2029. The first reactor could come online by 2035, with all four units operational by 2043. However, the project must first navigate a rigorous impact assessment led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Public feedback, including input from Indigenous communities, will shape the final proposal. IAAC Director Candida Cianci stressed the importance of community engagement, noting, "We have a lot to learn about what their views are."
While proponents highlight the project's economic and energy security benefits, skeptics question its environmental footprint and long-term safety. Energy Alberta spokesperson Ali Hounsell assured stakeholders that public input would be "incorporated into planning," but challenges remain in balancing regional growth with sustainability. The second public comment period closes July 23, with further studies and stakeholder discussions to follow.