Small Modular Reactors and What They Mean for Canadians
By Mieke Lek
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are becoming increasingly recognized as an innovative solution to zero emission power generation. Canada, positioning itself at the forefront of developing this technology, is currently conducting assessments through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in order to start developing an SMR at Ontario Power Generation (OPG)’s Darlington refurbishment site [1]. So, what are these SMRs, and what can they bring to Canadian society?
What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?
Small Modular Reactors provide all the same environmental benefits as traditional nuclear power plants: consistent and clean energy. However, they are much smaller than the typical CANDU reactors used in Canada, and can generate between 1 and 300 MWe (megawatts electric) per reactor [2] [3] [4] [5] as opposed to a 700 MWe CANDU reactor [6]. This means that one SMR can generate enough electricity for upwards of 360,000 Canadian homes [7].
An Illustration of an SMR Exterior and Interior. Original image can be found here.
What are the benefits of SMRs that our typical nuclear power plant does not provide?
In terms of power generation, SMRs can be optimized for more rural locations that require less power to operate than a traditional nuclear reactor. They can also be built off-site, and transported to the desired location due to their size [2] [4]. This can eliminate the need for burning diesel and other fossil fuels in these smaller communities since SMRs are more accessible than traditional nuclear power plants [3] [4] [5]. An SMR can also utilize non-traditional coolants such as liquid metal, gases, and salts [2] [3], meaning it does not necessarily need to be close to a water source like many other power plants.
On top of producing electricity, SMRs can be used for alternate purposes. These uses include industrial steam supplies for heating systems, desalinating water, and production of hydrogen fuel [2] [3] [4].
How will the development of SMRs affect Canada?
“SMRs will play a key role in helping to reinvigorate Ontario’s economy and further support the province and Canada as they work toward meeting their climate change targets of zero-emission electricity.”
- Ken Hartwick, President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation [4] [5]
Canada is leading the global development of SMRs thanks to its historical standing as a leader in nuclear power [3] [4] [5] [8]. Canadian Nuclear Laboratories developed plans for SMRs at their testing site in Chalk River, Ontario. This project was first proposed in 2018 and in 2020, with both OPG and USNC-Power Ltd. on board, this SMR project has advanced. This advancement includes not only environmental and risk assessments, but also social studies pertaining to the project’s impacts on the public and Indigenous communities [3] [4]. These assessments need to be submitted and approved by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission before the first SMR can be built in Canada.
Ontario Power Generation has already acquired a license to build an SMR at their Darlington site as a part of its refurbishments [4] [5]. This development is projected to start as early as 2028 [8].
SMRs will also help Canada phase out unsustainable energy sources used by smaller communities and take steps closer to reaching their climate change goals of a zero emissions power grid [5]. In December 2019, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deploy SMR technology in those provinces, a significant step towards implementing this new technology. Alberta signed this as well, in August 2020 [5] [8].
While small is in their name, the potential for SMRs to completely decarbonize Canada’s energy systems is anything but!
References
[1] https://world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/OPG-plans-SMR-construction-at-Darlington
[2] “Small modular reactors,” Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. [Online]. Available: https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/reactors/research-reactors/other-reactor-facilities/small-modular-reactors.cfm. [Retrieved January 26, 2021].
[3] “Small Modular Reactors,” Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. [Online]. Available: https://www.aecl.ca/science-technology/small-modular-reactors/#:~:text=Small%20Modular%20Reactors%20(SMRs)%20are,energy%20security%20for%20remote%20communities. [Retrieved January 26, 2021].
[4] “Small Modular Reactors,” Ontario Power Generation. [Online]. Available: https://www.opg.com/innovating-for-tomorrow/small-modular-nuclear-reactors/. [Retrieved January 26, 2021].
[5] OPG Media Relations, “OPG paving the way for Small Modular Reactor deployment,” Ontario Power Generation. [Online]. Available: https://www.opg.com/media_releases/opg-paving-the-way-for-small-modular-reactor-deployment/. [Retrieved January 26, 2021].
[6] “Small Modular Reactors (SMRs),” Canadian Nuclear Association. [Online]. Available: https://cna.ca/reactors-and-smrs/small-modular-reactors-smrs/. [Retrieved January 29, 2021].
[7] P. Evans, “Canada's new power strategy excludes megaprojects,” CBC News. [Online]. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-s-new-power-strategy-excludes-megaprojects-1.1039996#:~:text=Megawatts%20explained&text=To%20put%20some%20context%20to,plant%20could%20power%201%2C200%20homes. [Retrieved January 29, 2021].
[8] OPG Media Relations, “OPG resumes planning activities for Darlington New Nuclear,” Ontario Power Generation. [Online]. Available: https://www.opg.com/media_releases/opg-resumes-planning-activities-for-darlington-new-nuclear/. [Retrieved January 26, 2021].