By Kody Ferron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Yellowknifer
September 16, 2026
A nuclear future could be in store for the NWT following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the GNWT and both the Saskatchewan and Alberta governments on nuclear energy.
The goal of the MOU is to strengthen grid reliability and enhance regional electricity transmission infrastructure, according to a September 14 GNWT press release.
The release stated the MOU would create a framework for the three jurisdictions to collaborate and share information on nuclear generation technologies, including large-scale nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, and microreactors.
The MOU would also support “efforts to explore enhanced regional transmission infrastructure between Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories,” according to the release.
“Reliable and affordable energy is essential to the future of the Northwest Territories,” wrote Premier R.J. Simpson in the GNWT release. “Stronger connections between our electricity grids could create real opportunities for the North.”
Simpson also stated the MOU will enable the NWT to better prepare for the coming major projects.
“With new generation opportunities close to the NWT’s southern border currently being examined, we need to understand what that could mean for us and how we can benefit,” he stated. “This agreement will help us work with our neighbours, share information and explore potential grid connections, while positioning the NWT to take advantage of new energy opportunities in the region.”
Priorities for the MOU include strengthening the affordability, security and reliability of electricity systems; supporting the evaluation of nuclear technologies as an economical pathway to carbon-neutral electricity generation; and exploring opportunities to enhance electricity transmission infrastructure across the region.
The MOU also outlines nuclear reactor technology selection and development, financing approaches, environmental assessment processes, regulatory and federal approval pathways, uranium fuel supply and transportation, and nuclear waste management, as other priorities.
The signatories state that they will also “examine electricity system needs and opportunities for enhanced transmission infrastructure, including new and expanded inter-ties that could improve the movement of electricity between the three jurisdictions.”
“Stronger regional interconnections have the potential to support the integration of a variety of generation technologies, including nuclear, hydro, wind, solar, natural gas and battery storage, helping improve reliability, enhance energy security and stabilize costs,” stated the release.
The possibility of nuclear power was talked about as recent as May 2025 in the legislative assembly when Caroline Wawzonek, Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation, told the house that all options of power generation were being considered, even nuclear.
“Everything from AI-managed battery technology that can look to optimize the battery systems and to the actual management of a … diesel generator, all the way over to micro-hydro or micro-nuclear which is just really tiny little facilities, not on a scale that we … would have before seen that are still only at a piloting stage,” she said.
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