Canada Poised to Lead the Deployment of Next-Generation Nuclear Technology

November 7, 2018           Ottawa, Ontario            Natural Resources Canada

The Government of Canada recognizes that innovation in the nuclear sector plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and delivering good, middle-class jobs as Canada moves toward a low-carbon future.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today welcomed the release of the Canadian Small Modular Reactor Roadmap, which he described as an “important technology opportunity for Canada, both at home and on the world stage.”

Small modular reactors (SMR) represent the next wave of innovation in nuclear energy technology. SMRs are designed to be built at a smaller scale than traditional nuclear reactors, with lower up-front capital costs and enhanced safety features. They have potential to provide non-emitting energy in a wide range of applications, such as grid-scale electricity generation and heavy industry, including in remote communities.

In his keynote address to the Generation IV and Small Reactors International Conference, Minister Sohi said Canada is well positioned to become a global leader in the development and deployment of SMR technology. With over 60 years of science and technology innovation, a world-class regulator, and a vibrant domestic supply chain, Canada’s nuclear industry is poised to capture a share of an emerging global market estimated at $150 billion per year by 2040, creating good, middle-class jobs for Canadians. 

The Department of Natural Resources convened interested provinces, territories, power utilities, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders to support the development of the roadmap. The Roadmap is a result of a 10-month engagement process with the industry and potential end-users, including Indigenous and northern communities and heavy industry. It includes over 50 recommendations in areas such as waste management, regulatory readiness and international engagement. It also highlights the need for ongoing engagement with civil society, northern and Indigenous communities and environmental organizations. The Roadmap arose out of last year’s Generation Energy consultation process — the largest national conversation about energy in Canada’s history.

The Government of Canada welcomes the Canadian Small Modular Reactor Roadmap and is presently reviewing its recommendations.