BY CATHERINE BROWNLEE,
PRESIDENT OF ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP (AEG), CALGARY AND EDMONTON CHAPTERS

Premier Danielle Smith’s recent announcement to begin public consultations about nuclear power this fall could not be timelier. At Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG), we applaud this move as a powerful signal that Alberta is ready to lead in one of the safest, cleanest and most innovative forms of energy available.

Yes – safest! While perceptions of nuclear energy are often shaped by outdated fears, the facts tell a different story. According to the Our World in Data research group, nuclear power has one of the lowest death rates per unit of energy produced. In fact, it’s safer than almost all forms of power generation.

Nuclear energy results in only 0.03 deaths per terawatt-hour while coal (24.6), oil (18.4), biomass (4.6) and natural gas (2.8) have much higher rates. Wind and solar are equally safe (wind at 0.04 deaths and solar at 0.02). However, unlike wind and solar, nuclear can provide large-scale, stable baseload power 24/7.

This conversation isn’t just about safety; it is about vision. The Premier’s announcement highlights both small modular reactors (SMRs) and the potential for a large-scale nuclear plant in Peace River, modelled after work that is being done in Ontario. Together these options could reshape Alberta’s energy mix, especially as we face surging demand from industries like artificial intelligence and data centres. A private proposal to build a 4,800-megawatt facility in Peace River, equivalent to nearly a quarter of Alberta’s entire electricity capacity, shows the seriousness and importance of the opportunity.

In previous articles we have talked about nuclear innvators like Aalo Atomics and Antares, and how they are rethinking nuclear power. Aalo is developing modular reactors using proven fuel and supply chains, while Antares is building ultra-compact systems ideal for remote and rapid deployment.

Yet innovation without public dialogue is a missed opportunity. That’s why these consultations matter. Premier Smith is right to prioritize citizen engagement. Energy policy must be shaped not only by engineers and economists but also by the people it serves. If done right, these conversations will help Albertans see nuclear not as a threat, but as a tool to power growth, reduce emissions and strengthen energy and economic sovereignty.

As we face carbon regulations, volatility in oil markets and growing pressure to electrify everything from vehicles to agriculture, nuclear stands out as a reliable backbone for Alberta’s energy future. AEG is proud to support this initiative, and we encourage our members, and all Albertans, to participate in the consultation process.

Alberta is open for business, open to innovation and now open to nuclear.