In Clarington, Ont., the Darlington nuclear power plant has one small modular reactor underway, and three more coming. The first unit is expected to be in operation by 2029.
While a nuclear future may be years away in Alberta — the first unit in Ontario's pilot SMR project is expected to be in commercial operation by 2029 — what happens after the projects run their course should also be taken into consideration. The long-term impacts of future energy projects in Alberta should be centred on meaningful consultations with Indigenous communities, especially any nuclear projects, experts in the field say.
While a nuclear future may be years away in Alberta — the first unit in Ontario's pilot SMR project is expected to be in commercial operation by 2029 — what happens after the projects run their course should also be taken into consideration. Data from 2022 indicates that First Nations land equals 767,818 hectares in Alberta, and Métis settlements top 512,121 hectares. Together, that's 1,279,939 hectares, though all of Alberta is traditional territory for many Indigenous nations and people.
Nuclear projects can benefit Indigenous communities by creating jobs, but also by setting up partnerships with the communities that allow them to become actual owners of the assets."There's an imperative for proponents to get this right and to make sure that the First Nations and Indigenous people of this country are a part of the energy transition."CVW CleanTech works on technology that cleans tailings from oil sands mining.
Companies go in, extract the resource, give Indigenous companies some contracts and a benefits agreement, but never really go in and seek true partnership, according to Dubey."This is their traditional land, their way of life has been intertwined with this land for generations. It's important to have that perspective and approach them with that respect," he said.
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