10 Questions and Answers on Small Modular Reactors

With the goal of achieving net-zero by 2050 combined with the projected increase in world  energy consumption in that time period, there are many exciting new technologies being developed which can address these challenges. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a promising new technology in the field of nuclear energy. While there is a lot of discussion and hype around the potential SMRs, there are also a lot of questions to be answered.

1. What are SMRs?

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with only up to roughly one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. Small, refers to their size and capacity. Modular refers to the possibility for their systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported to an installation site. Lastly, they are reactors as they are using nuclear fission to produce energy.

2. What makes developing SMRS economic?

Nuclear energy has much higher capital costs than other forms of energy like gas and coal. The modular components and factory fabrication of SMRs can reduce construction cost and duration so that SMRs can bring down the capital cost required to build a nuclear power plant.

3. Are SMRs safe?

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, SMRs “display an enhanced safety performance through inherent and passive safety features”. With a passive safety system, a reactor can shut itself down using the simple nature of physics, such as gravity.

4. What is Canada doing to develop SMRs?

Canada’s SMR Action Plan is bringing together federal government, provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples and communities, power utilities, industry, innovators, laboratories, academia, and civil society. To track the progress of this action plan, click here.

Further, through the Enabling Small Modular Reactors Program, Natural Resources Canada will provide $29.6 million over four years to fund research and development projects working to address waste generated from SMRs aswell as develop supply chains for SMR manufacturing and SMR fuel supply. This program

5. What SMR Projects are there in Canada?

According to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, there are currently four SMR projects in Canada that are being reviewed or are anticipated in the future.

• Global First Power – Ontario
• New Brunswick Power’s ARC-100 Project – New Brunswick
• Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project – Ontario
• SaskPower’s proposed SMR project – Saskatchewan

6. What can SMRs be used for?

In Canada, SMRs are being looked at as ideal option for powering smaller and remote communities that are not connected to power grids as easily. SMRs will also be able provide heat and electricity to assist with mining and oil extraction.

7. Can SMRs be used to help decarbonize the Oilsands?

In September last year, the Government of Alberta announced it would be providing $7 million in funding through Emissions Reduction Alberta for Cenovus Energy to conduct a study on whether SMRs can be deployed safely, technically, and economically to supply heat and power to the oil sands.

8. Will SMRs provide opportunities to young Canadians?

According to a recent report by Ontario Power Generation, building and operating a fleet of four SMRs for the Darlington New Nuclear Project will create and sustain 2,000 jobs each year in Canada over the next 65 years and will add an estimated $15.3 billion to Canada’s GDP. That’s just from one SMR project!

9. Who else is developing SMRs?

There are over 80 SMR designs and concepts around the world. However, only a few have been fully developed. The worlds first SMR facility, a floating nuclear power plant, began operation in Russia in 2020.

10. Why should Canada be developing SMRs?

SMRs are a promising new technology that the world is looking for suppliers of. Globally, the SMR Market is expected to be valued at $150 billion between 2025 and 2040. Canada is already a global leader in nuclear energy. Developing this technology can help Canada’s economy while helping move the world closer toward a net-zero future. So as long as the world needs SMRs, they should be Canadian.