The NDP opposition says the provincial government should study renewable power — such as wind and solar — in addition to nuclear energy.

Hearings on the future of uranium and nuclear energy are scheduled to begin next month. They're taking place amid a growing debate about the future of the industry in Saskatchewan.

Ontario-based Bruce Power has said a nuclear power plant for Saskatchewan is feasible, while a government advisory panel is advising that some expansion of the industry should be considered.

However, the NDP says a focus on nuclear options is not enough. Once people have all of the information — including about wind, solar and other renewable energy options — then they can make a decision about what kind of power mix to have in the future, NDP members say.

"If you're going to spend $10 billion, why don't we find out the full picture in terms of what we compare it to?" NDP MLA Darcy Furber said.

Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the government doesn't oppose that kind of discussion, it just doesn't want it to interfere with the uranium consultations that have already been scheduled.

Those talks are about more than just generating power, he said.

"It's the talk of medical isotopes, it's the talk of processing, it's the talk of refining — that study hasn't been done in our province, ever."

A committee at the legislature can hold public talks on future power generation, Cheveldayoff said.

The Opposition said that won't help unless the government provides the same research on the other options as it has for nuclear.