With the launch of Canada's multi-stakeholder study on deploying small modular reactors, the Canadian government said it recognizes that nuclear energy "plays a critical role" in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, achieving a low-carbon economic future and "delivering good, middle-class jobs."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government made the statements in a Nov. 7 press release that announced the unveiling of the Canadian Small Modular Reactor Roadmap, which outlined recommendations with respect deploying factory-fabricated, scalable and safer small modular reactor, or SMR, designs. The road map also outlined potential applications for SMRs in Canada, such as supplying heat to small and/or remote communities in Canada's north as well as heat and electricity for resource industries like mining and oil and gas drilling, according to the release. Significantly, the road map said SMRs also have the potential to replace the baseload generation of carbon-emitting fossil-fuel-fired power plants with emissions-free and reliable nuclear-produced electricity.
Canada's 2017 Generation Energy consultation process gave rise to the road map following a 10-month engagement process between the Canadian Department of Natural Resources, the nuclear energy industry, utilities, provinces, territories and potential end-users, including indigenous and northern communities and heavy industry.
The plan includes 50 recommendations in various areas, such as waste management, transportation and regulatory readiness. The road map also recommended the creation of a Nuclear Energy Advisory Council between the Canadian Nuclear Association, which represents the Canadian nuclear energy industry, and the Government of Canada; increased outreach to other clean energy industries to ensure appropriate representation of nuclear energy in broader clean-energy dialogues; and continued support for Canadian nuclear industry representation and influence on the international stage. The Canadian government is reviewing the report and its recommendations.
As described by the government of Canada, SMRs are designed to be built at a smaller scale than traditional nuclear reactors, with lower up-front capital costs and enhanced safety features. In a Nov. 7 speech at the Generation IV and Small Reactors International Conference in Ottawa, Canadian Natural Resource Minister Amarjeet Sohi said advanced nuclear power facilities such as SMRs offer an "important technology opportunity for Canada, both at home and on the world stage."
Thanks to Canada's regulatory framework, vibrant domestic supply chain and 60 years of technological and scientific innovations, Sohi said, the country's nuclear energy industry is well-positioned to carve out a share of the world's emerging advanced reactor market, which could total an estimated $150 billion per year by 2040.
