Alberta is often defined by its oil and gas sector—but a very different kind of energy is taking centre stage. 

The spotlight on nuclear power, and small modular reactors, or SMRs is happening in communities across Alberta.

Unlike traditional nuclear facilities, SMRs are designed to be compact, factory-built, and scalable. 

Supporters say they’re cheaper, safer, and far quicker to construct. 

And importantly, they can be deployed in remote or less-populated regions—places where large-scale power infrastructure is harder to build.

While provinces like New Brunswick and Ontario already rely on nuclear energy—Ontario, in fact, gets more than half of its electricity from it—Alberta is beginning to chart its own path.

The province’s push toward SMRs was even included on Ottawa’s recent list of fast-tracked “nation-building projects,” signalling national momentum behind this emerging technology.

But new technology brings new questions. 

For Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank, the journey toward nuclear power hinges on one essential step: educating the public.

And in northwestern Alberta, one community has already begun that journey. The County of Northern Lights has been exploring the potential implications of nuclear development for its future. 

Reeve Terry Ungarian spoke with us about the process, the opportunities, and the potential benefits of nuclear power becoming part of Alberta’s energy landscape.

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