Canada's primary research facility for nuclear research, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), said that its request for expression of interest (RFEOI) notices concerning small nuclear reactors had prompted responses from over 70 organizations including potential host communities seeking to deploy the new technology.
Small nuclear reactors (SMR) are still in development and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories hopes to be in the forefront of those attempting to create efficient nuclear power technology that is meltdown-proof and cost-effective, given the aim is to build them in factory settings, as opposed to on-site construction that often leads to massive construction projects that can take a decade or more to complete.
CNL called the 70 responses a “strong gesture of support form a broad range of stakeholders." Also responding to the notice were nuclear supply chain and research institutions, CNL said.
The call for responses went out in June and closed on July 31. “The RFEOI was issued to give us a better understanding of the industry's interest in pursuing SMR technology, and the part that CNL could play in that process. I'm happy to say that the response has been beyond our expectations,” said CNL President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Lesinski.
CNL envisions deployment of small reactors for use at isolated communities, especially in northern Canada, and at industrial sites, such as remote mines. SMR technology is also seen as a potential for desalination plants and hydrogen production facilities, although it is also considered viable for more stereotypical energy markets, including residential areas. Deployment of SMR technology for such markets could succeed by creating power plants with more than one SMR located on the same campus.
"We're facing a very long journey before the construction of a prototype SMR reactor at our Chalk River site, but the RFEOI represents a very strong start to this process, and ensures that we move forward in unison with the broader SMR development community," noted Kathryn McCarthy, CNL's Vice-President of Research & Development. "The feedback we received from these stakeholders allows us to better shape our program, ensuring we have the right capabilities and expertise to meet the needs of industry every step of the way."