The pace is picking up around the development of small modular nuclear reactors. Alberta has jointed New Brunswick – Ontario – and – Saskatchewan signing a partnership agreement to work on the advancement of S-M-Rs as a “clean energy option.”
As part of the latest signing ceremony – a study conducted by NB Power – Ontario Power – Bruce Power – and – SaskPower identifies three areas of proposals for consideration.
The first is a S-M-R project generating 300 MegaWatts to be constructed at the Darlington nuclear site in Ontario by 2028. The second involves two 4th generation advanced S-M-R designs developed here with construction of demonstration units at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station. The third would see development of a new class micro S-M-Rs designed to primarily replace use of diesel in remote communities and mines.
Premier Blaine Higgs says “New Brunswick has already attracted two tremendous vendors in ARC Clean Energy Canada and Moltex Energy who are now developing their capacity and generating local economic development in the province. New Brunswick is well positioned to be a world leader in the SMR field.”
The next step will see the provinces developing a joint strategic plan for completion this Spring. An executive summary of the feasibility study can be found here.