OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada has been a world leader in nuclear energy for over 60 years. The nuclear industry in Canada is a vital source of innovation, job creation and low-carbon energy. The next generation in nuclear technology will help Canadians build a cleaner, safer world while meeting our energy needs in a low-carbon economy.
Parliamentary Secretary Kim Rudd, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, today announced a road mapping process under the Energy Innovation Program to explore the potential for on- and off-grid applications for small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Canada.
Driven by interested provincial and territorial governments and energy utilities, the exercise will be delivered by the Canadian Nuclear Association and engage stakeholders to better understand their views on priorities and challenges related to the possible development and deployment of SMRs in Canada.
Participation in the roadmap will eventually expand to include all essential enabling partners, including manufacturers, research performers, waste management organizations and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
The stakeholder-driven roadmap will build upon their existing groundwork to foster innovation and establish a long-term vision for the industry, as well as to assess the characteristics of different SMR technologies and how they align with user-requirements and Canadian priorities. The roadmap will be an important step in positioning Canada to advance next-generation technologies and become a global leader in the emerging SMR market.
Through Generation Energy, we heard that Canadians want a pan-Canadian approach on nuclear energy that would help guide important decisions on emerging technologies, such as SMRs. Canada is committed to clean energy, innovation and energy security as it continues to move toward a low-carbon economy.
It is expected the roadmap will be completed in the fall of 2018.
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"Through the Generation Energy dialogue, we heard that a pan-Canadian approach is needed on nuclear energy to help guide important decisions by private and public leaders. We are bringing this approach to the SMR roadmap, working with key stakeholders to better understand their views on how we can develop and deploy this emerging technology."
Kim Rudd
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources
"The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station has been a key base load asset in maintaining low greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector in New Brunswick and the Atlantic region. A pan-Canadian approach to developing an SMR Technology Roadmap will provide valuable information as we continue to work toward our shared goals of developing a resilient low-carbon economy."
Rick Doucet
New Brunswick's Minister of Energy and Resource Development
"Qulliq Energy Corporation is pleased to participate in a Canadian effort to establish a roadmap for small modular reactors. Establishing a pathway for the implementation of SMRs is an important national issue with particular significance for remote communities that are interested in exploring alternative energy options."
Bruno Pereira
President of Qulliq Energy Corporation
Associated Links
Generation Energy
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Mackenzie Radan, Acting Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 613-462-7117; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100
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