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EDMONTON — Albertans are being invited to share their views on the potential development of nuclear energy in the province as the Alberta government continues a multi-phase public engagement process.
An expert Nuclear Energy Engagement and Advisory Panel is gathering feedback on how nuclear power could be integrated into Alberta’s electricity system to provide reliable baseload energy and support industrial uses, including in the oil sands, while reducing emissions.
The engagement is led by the ministries of Affordability and Utilities, Energy and Minerals, Indigenous Relations, and Environment and Protected Areas.
The government says rising electricity demand has renewed interest in nuclear energy as a safe and reliable option to help meet long-term power needs.
Public engagement is being carried out in phases. In the first phase, which ran from Aug. 25 to Oct. 25, 2025, Albertans, Indigenous communities and stakeholders provided input through an online survey and a request for information process focused on opportunities and barriers to developing a nuclear industry in Alberta.
Phase 2 is now underway and includes webinars, in-person public meetings and targeted engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations.
Public town hall meetings are scheduled in several communities, including Peace River on Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m., Fort McMurray on Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m., and Bonnyville on Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Sessions are also planned for Calgary on Feb. 12 and Edmonton on Feb. 17, with locations to be confirmed.
The panel has also held public information and technical webinars on Dec. 8 and Dec. 10, 2025, and Jan. 16, 2026, along with Indigenous-focused webinars on Jan. 12, 13 and 14.
According to the government, the engagement is intended to help the panel understand public and Indigenous perspectives, identify key questions and ensure meaningful participation across the province.
The panel will provide advice to the government on Alberta’s potential role in advancing a nuclear energy industry and is expected to deliver a final report to the Minister of Affordability and Utilities by March 31, 2026.
The panel is chaired by Chantelle de Jonge and includes former Alberta NDP leader Deron Bilous, along with representatives from industry, academia and Indigenous leadership.
Feedback gathered through the process will be used to inform a potential nuclear roadmap and regulatory framework for the province.
Albertans seeking more information or wishing to provide input can contact the nuclear engagement team at nuclear.engagement@gov.ab.ca.
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