The Government of Saskatchewan has taken a significant step in its pursuit of nuclear power, finalizing a formal cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates. The deal, signed on January 16, 2026, aims to leverage the UAE's expertise in developing and operating peaceful nuclear energy programs.
A Strategic Partnership for Energy Development
This international accord establishes a framework for Saskatchewan to learn from the UAE's experience. The Middle Eastern nation successfully launched the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the first multi-unit operating nuclear plant in the Arab world. Saskatchewan officials view this partnership as a critical pathway to gain insights into regulatory processes, public engagement, workforce training, and the technological implementation of nuclear energy.
The province has been actively exploring nuclear, particularly small modular reactor (SMR) technology, as a means to provide baseload, non-emitting power to support economic growth and meet climate goals. This agreement provides direct access to a partner with recent, relevant experience in bringing a new nuclear program online.
Context and Provincial Energy Ambitions
Saskatchewan's move into nuclear comes amid a broader national conversation about clean energy and grid reliability. The province, rich in uranium resources used to fuel nuclear reactors globally, has historically exported the raw material. This deal signals a strategic shift toward developing value-added, domestic energy production from its own resources.
The announcement follows another major trade development for the province, where the Saskatchewan government hailed a separate China trade deal involving significantly reduced tariffs as "very good news." Together, these international agreements highlight the province's active efforts to secure economic and energy partnerships on the global stage.
What the Deal Means for Saskatchewan's Future
The collaboration with the UAE is expected to accelerate Saskatchewan's nuclear planning phase. Key areas of focus will include:
- Regulatory and safety frameworks: Adapting international best practices to the Canadian context.
- Skilled workforce development: Building the local talent pool necessary for a high-tech nuclear sector.
- Public and Indigenous engagement: Learning from the UAE's approach to stakeholder communication and support.
- Technology assessment: Informing the province's evaluation of potential SMR vendors and designs.
While the agreement does not commit Saskatchewan to a specific reactor or timeline, it provides a foundational knowledge base and an experienced partner. The province's next steps will involve detailed feasibility studies and continued community consultations, now bolstered by the insights gained from this new partnership with the United Arab Emirates.
