StarCore Nuclear Seeks Government Support for SMR Demonstration Site in Manitoba Amid Energy Deficit

StarCore Nuclear is advocating for government support to establish a small modular reactor (SMR) demonstration site in Pinawa, Manitoba, as the province anticipates energy deficits by 2029-30. Founded in 2018, StarCore aims to power Pinawa with nuclear energy and create 265 full-time jobs along with 450 spin-off positions.

The proposed facility, with a projected cost of $219 million, would generate 9.6 megawatts of energy using a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Despite having investor backing, StarCore has not secured a power purchase agreement with Manitoba Hydro, which has had preliminary discussions but has not committed to SMRs as a resource.

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories oversees the decommissioning of the former Whiteshell Laboratories site, which is expected to be fully closed by the 2030s. StarCore emphasizes the potential of SMRs for remote communities, while local First Nations are engaged in discussions regarding land use.