4 Things I Learned About Nuclear Energy as a High School Student

During high school, “nuclear” was just something we learned in science class. But when I was introduced to the nuclear energy sector, my world was opened up to the many unique and innovative ways Canada is using nuclear energy. It’s way more than just a topic in Chemistry 30.

There’s tons of information about Canada’s nuclear sector that isn’t talked about in my generation that I find super interesting. Here are a few of the cool facts I learned.

1. Saskatchewan is the world’s second largest uranium producer.

Uranium is the critical mineral that powers nuclear reactors. It has to be mined from uranium deposits deep in the ground. What I recently learned is that Saskatchewan – the province right next door to me – is home to some of the richest uranium deposits in the world!

Saskatchewan’s is the world’s second largest producer of uranium, behind only Kazakhstan. The province has also been recognized to have what’s regarded as one of the richest quality uranium deposits worldwide, which is definitely something to brag about.

A standout operation in Saskatchewan is Cigar Lake, which is home to the world’s highest-grade uranium deposit (over 70 million kilograms since 2015!). Cigar Lake is operated by Cameco, which is a Canadian uranium company that’s a leader within the uranium production and nuclear energy supply chain. Cameco works across the whole nuclear fuel cycle, so the work experience opportunities they provide for students are super diverse and interesting.

Saskatchewan’s uranium production and reserves best almost every country in the world, which is pretty cool. Uranium is a must for nuclear production, which places Saskatchewan at the forefront of Canada’s (and the world’s) nuclear future.

Honestly, it’s time we started paying more attention to such developments in Canada. I wish we learned more about nuclear energy and uranium production in school, because people my age ought to know how much of a leader Canada is in this sector (and how many great job opportunities there are!).

2. CANDU reactors never need to shut down to refuel and are the only commercial reactors to run on natural uranium.

Canada’s CANDU nuclear reactors were some of the most innovative reactors in the world when first developed decades ago. Today, Canada still remains a world leader in nuclear innovation with CANDU and other technologies.

Most of the time, nuclear reactors have to shut down to refuel, which means lost time, energy, and money. CANDU reactors, however, use a horizontal fuel channel so they don’t need to shut down while refueling.

Also, CANDU is the only commercial reactor to run off of natural uranium, allowing Canadian reactors to completely eliminate the enrichment step in nuclear energy.

And now, as newer technologies for nuclear energy generation develop around the world, Canada is still an innovation leader.

It’s incredible that made-in-Canada technology can be so impactful for the future of nuclear energy. For recent high school grads like me, Canadian leadership in nuclear innovation speaks to the many opportunities we have to make a difference on a global scale through careers in nuclear energy and similar sectors.

3. Nuclear energy is over half of Ontario’s electricity consumption.

Ontario stands as a nuclear energy superpower in comparison not only to Canada, but to the rest of the world. Ontario’s 16 reactors generate immense amounts of power for the province, leading to over half their grid powered by nuclear energy.

And Ontario isn’t slowing down on the nuclear front. Quite the opposite, actually.

Ontario is building Canada’s first Small Modular Reactor (SMR), marking a new chapter in development for Canada nuclear energy. This is big news because SMRs are smaller, cheaper versions of nuclear reactors that can lower the cost and regulatory barriers to unlocking Canada’s nuclear potential.

For someone as invested into energy as me, Ontario’s leadership in the nuclear sector offers a front-row seat to innovative, sustainable, and efficient power generation.

Plus, there’s a TON of jobs across Ontario in and around the nuclear sector. From engineers to policy researchers to field technicians, there’s something for everyone in nuclear. For a recent high school graduate like me, Ontario’s nuclear power sector seems full of high-paying and engaging opportunities.

4. Canada is one of the world’s safest producers of nuclear energy, with zero recorded fatal accidents.

When some think of “nuclear energy,” safety is one of the first things that come to mind. Canada is a leading example of how to do nuclear safely, with a flawless record of no fatal incidents.

This reputation isn’t held up by luck. It’s built on Canada’s science-backed laws and regulations that are enforced by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Canada has some of the strictest safety protocols globally, meaning safety incidents are few and far between.

For a young Canadian driven by the innovation of nuclear energy production, this safety isn’t just reassuring. It’s a shining example of Canadian leadership that set a benchmark for others globally. I’m lucky to be entering a workforce (well, after I’ve completed my post-secondary education) that helps power an ever-growing and world-leading nuclear industry.