Saskatchewan is home to the largest and highest-grade uranium mines in the world, but does not currently have any nuclear power reactors. It is working alongside the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick and Alberta on the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) under a joint strategic plan released in 2022. And Crown utility SaskPower has now begun the formal process to evaluate large reactor technologies.
The Czech Republic currently gets about one-third of its electricity from the four VVER-440 units at Dukovany, which began operating between 1985 and 1987, and the two units in operation at Temelín, which came into operation in 2000 and 2002. It has plans for new large units and in October 2024, Rolls-Royce SMR was selected by ČEZ to deploy up to 3 GW of electricity in the Czech Republic, with ČEZ taking a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said: “The Czech Republic shares many priorities with Saskatchewan, and is seeking sustainable energy security for their country. I am excited to see what shared opportunities lie ahead in the areas of sustainable energy, innovation for the nuclear sector and diversifying trade. I look forward to growing this partnership for the benefit of both our economies.”
Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček said: “The memorandum with Saskatchewan comes at the right time – Premier Moe’s visit confirms strong interest on both sides. We can strengthen cooperation in energy and resource security, innovation and trade and open the door to new opportunities for companies on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The memorandum of understanding also covers cooperation on renewable energy and carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies. It will take the form of knowledge sharing, “promoting joint projects or exploring cooperation in talent development and educational programmes”.
The Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade said that direct exports to Canada rose 36% year-on-year in 2025 and reached USD566 million. The MoU was signed during an ongoing Saskatchewan trade and investment mission to the European Union.
