Two Mi’kmaw bands in New Brunswick are exploring the idea of hosting a small modular reactor (SMR) near the Belledune generating station to replace the polluting power plant that must cease burning coal by 2030. Pabineau Chief Terry Richardson expressed concerns over the high levels of CO2 emissions from the current facility and sees the Indigenous-owned transportable nuclear power station as a potential solution.
The proposed project aims to initially provide baseload power for around 40,000 households. Prodigy Clean Energy, a Canadian company, is in discussions with the First Nations communities about the potential development of a commercial fleet of transportable nuclear power plants that could be assembled at the Port of Belledune and shipped globally.
The project, partially funded by $2.75 million from the federal government, has garnered interest from the bands, with plans for potential community visits to nuclear facilities for firsthand insights. The initiative aligns with Canada’s new strategy for nuclear energy, which envisions the deployment of up to 10 new large-scale reactors, including at least one outside Ontario by 2035. Indigenous participation and capacity-building are key considerations in the country’s nuclear energy plans.
Mathias Trojer, President of Prodigy Clean Energy, highlighted the benefits of SMRs in providing reliable power to remote areas and supporting economic growth. The transportable nature of these reactors allows for easy deployment and removal without leaving behind waste or cleanup costs. New Brunswick Energy Minister René Legacy emphasized the importance of careful planning and testing for any future nuclear projects in the region.
While the potential for a nuclear renaissance in Canada is promising, community members, like Eel River Bar band councillor Karen Narvie, are seeking more information on safety, environmental impacts, and the project’s overall effects on their way of life. Discussions and community engagements are ongoing to address these concerns and ensure transparency in the decision-making process.
