As Energy Alberta progresses work on the proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project, we are considering two advanced, Canadian-owned nuclear reactor technologies: Atkins Réalis’ CANDU® MONARK™, a new evolution of CANDU® technology, and Westinghouse’s AP1000®, a modern design based on widely used pressurized water reactor technology.

While there are some differences in the design, the outcome is the same: deliver large-scale, reliable, low-emissions electricity that Alberta can depend on for decades.

Energy Alberta has submitted a revised Initial Project Description to the Impact Assessment Agency that includes the two technology options, along with a request to restart the impact assessment timeline.

Both options are based on proven technologies designed to meet rigorous Canadian and international safety standards, and both can deliver the same end result: steady, around-the-clock power for Western Canada’s homes, businesses and industry.

CANDU® MONARK™ and AP1000®: Proven Designs, Modernized for Today

The CANDU® MONARK™ and AP1000® build on decades of operating experience, incorporating proven features from existing plants alongside modern design updates that enhance safety, performance and efficiency, including modular construction, digital controls and advanced monitoring systems to support reliable, long-term operation.

One Framework for Assessing Both Reactor Options

The federal impact assessment process for the Project will use a Plant Parameter Envelope (PPE) approach. In simple terms, a PPE is a bounding "envelope" of parameters that define the site and plant characteristics, allowing assessments to begin before a reactor technology is selected.  

This approach allows potential environmental, safety and socio-economic effects to be assessed now, rather than waiting for a final reactor selection. It ensures that potential impacts do not exceed what is defined within the PPE. This method has been used in previous nuclear project reviews in Canada and the United States.

One Project, One Power Output

Regardless of the technology selected, the Project will consist of four large reactors in the 1,000-megawatt class, resulting in a total output of roughly 4,400 to 4,800 megawatts - enough to supply a significant portion of Alberta’s long-term electricity needs.  

It’s expected the Project would supply about 15% of Alberta’s current generation capacity and roughly 30% of future power needs.

The Project is being designed at a scale consistent with other nuclear facilities in Canada, with flexibility to incorporate efficiency improvements over time. Electricity would be sold through long-term contracts to Alberta consumers and industry.

Cooling Infrastructure: Designed for the River and the Region

Cooling towers are proposed for both technology options. A once-through cooling system - where large volumes of water are taken from the river and returned at a warmer temperature - is not suitable for this Project. Instead, cooling towers reuse water in a closed loop, with relatively small amounts drawn from the Peace River to replace water lost through evaporation.  

In both cases, cooling water is non-radioactive and kept completely separate from nuclear systems. While the designs differ, both approaches provide a responsible cooling solution that minimizes water use, protects the Peace River and meets strict Canadian and international safety standards.

One Decision, Informed by Safety, Science and Community Input

The final technology selection will be informed by Project‑specific requirements, lifecycle cost assessments, regulatory alignment and long‑term economic value.  

No matter which technology is selected, the Project is being assessed and designed around shared priorities: strong safety performance, responsible environmental protection and reliable, low-emissions power - guided by technical evidence and informed by input from local residents and Indigenous Nations and Communities.

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