Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization on Thursday invited “small modular reactor (SMR) project proponents” to join in the evaluation process for the eventual construction of a SMR at an agency-managed site.
“The invitation represents the launch of CNL’s SMR review process, including the Pre-Qualification stage, which allows CNL to evaluate technical and business merits of proposed designs, assess the financial viability of the projects, and review the necessary national security and integrity requirements,” the laboratory said in a statement.
The invitation will remain open, with rounds of intake periods expected to occur semi-annually. Applications received by May 28, 2018 will be assessed in the first round. All projects would be subject to regulatory processes and requirements.
“Based on early discussions with our stakeholders and the broader nuclear industry, we anticipate strong interest and enthusiasm for this announcement,” said CNL President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Lesinski.
The CNL has identified SMRs as one of seven strategic initiatives the company expects to pursue as part of its Long-Term Strategy. The goal, the company said, is to have an SMR on an AECL site by 2026.
The aim, CNL said, is to position the company as “a global leader in SMR prototype testing and technology development support.”
Last year, CNL sent out a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) on SMRs development. Eighty organizations responded to the request, including 19 that expressed interest in siting a prototype or demonstration reactor at a CNL-managed site.
Applicants will be subjected to a four-stage review process. A “pre-qualification stage … will assess proponents against preliminary criteria, including due diligence protocol that will assess financial requirements and project costs. Stage three involves negotiation of land arrangement and supply contracts, culminating in the signing of a site disposition agreement with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), owner of the CNL-managed sites.
Finally, the “project execution” stage includes licensing, construction, testing, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of the unit.