A call to solicit interest in small modular reactors (SMR) in Canada has established a strong response from interested parties, the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) said.
The laboratory, which is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, said that its recent SMR Demonstration Project invitation had received four responses. The invitation, which began with an optional pre-qualification stage, is an opportunity for 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 lab said.
CNL concluded the first intake on June 11, 2018, with responses received from four international and domestic SMR project proponents. However, while the initial intake process is now closed, technology developers are welcome to submit their responses at any time, the lab said.
“Since its inception, CNL’s small modular reactor program has garnered interest from around the world. That momentum continues to build, with a response to our invitation that has already exceeded our expectations,” commented Mark Lesinski, CNL’s president and chief executive. “These exciting new nuclear technologies will serve as part of an integrated clean energy system enabling increased use of solar and wind energy, or hydrogen production, for example. The world needs improved access to clean energy, and the tremendous benefits offered by SMRs, including a reduced size, simpler but safer designs, and a reduced staff complement, make nuclear a very appealing technology to fill that void,” he said.
CNL has identified SMRs as one of seven strategic initiatives it is pursuing as part of its Long-Term Strategy, with the goal of siting an SMR on one of the sites it manages by 2026. The company is working to demonstrate the commercial viability of SMRs and position itself as a global hub in SMR prototype testing and technology development support.
Corey McDaniel, CNL’s Vice-President of Business Development , called the SMR designs under consideration "both evolutionary – building on the strengths of past nuclear technologies, and revolutionary, with innovative advances in efficiency, safety and technical design.”
The Invitation for SMR Demonstration Projects has been set up in four individual stages. Following the optional Pre-Qualification stage, which will assess proponents against preliminary criteria, applicants must complete the Due Diligence stage, which will include more stringent financial requirements and a full assessment of funding and project costs. The third phase, Negotiation of Land Arrangement and Other Contracts, would culminate in the signing of an agreement with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), the owner of the sites. Finally, the Project Execution stage would include licensing and construction, testing, commissioning, operation, and eventual decommissioning of the SMR unit.
All projects successful in CNL’s invitation are also subject to separate regulatory processes and requirements.
CNL is currently performing generic siting studies for the Chalk River Laboratories and Whiteshell Laboratories to identify the potential locations suitable for construction of SMR demonstration units. The company also continues to engage with stakeholders and members of its local communities, to gather their input and feedback on hosting a demonstration project. These outreach activities include information sessions, webinars, industry meetings and roundtables.