

SMRs could replace larger nuclear reactors when they are decommissioned as well as CO2-producing coal plants

Left to right, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announce a collaboration between the provinces on small, modular nuclear reactors on Dec. 1, 2019.Veronica Henri/Postmedia

Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have pledged to work together to build smaller nuclear reactors in an effort to reduce emissions and help fight climate change. The premiers gathered on Sunday to sign a memorandum of understanding to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) ahead of a meeting of the Council of the Federation. But the technology is still in the early phases in Canada — and around the world. Here’s what we know about SMRs, and the role they could play in helping Canada meet its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

What is an SMR?

Small modular reactors are basically smaller-than-usual nuclear reactors that are sometimes considered safer due to their size. They generate less than 300 megawatts of electricity (MWe) per reactor, and can be small enough to fit in a gymnasium, so they can operate in areas where less power is required. An SMR could even provide power to off-grid locations where power needs are only between two and 30 MWe. Canada’s current nuclear reactors supply between 515 and 881 MWe. SMRs are called “modular” because they can operate individually, or as part of a larger nuclear complex. Multiple SMRs can be set up at a single nuclear plant to supply a similar level of power as larger generators, which means a nuclear power plant could be expanded gradually, as demand increases.

Where could they be used in Canada?

SMRs could replace larger nuclear reactors when they are decommissioned as well as CO2-producing coal plants. They could also be used to provide energy to remote Indigenous communities in Canada that currently rely on diesel. In addition to generating electricity, SMRs can be used for water desalination, and they could be used to generate heat for oil sands production. SMRs are touted as being more attractive to communities that have not previously used nuclear power. However, it is yet to be seen if SMRs can be cost effective enough to compete with large-scale nuclear plants and other forms of energy.

Why are the provinces interested in developing SMRs?

The federal government plans to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2030 unless they use carbon-capture technology. While Ontario eliminated the last of its coal-fired plants in 2014, New Brunswick still has one in operation and 30 per cent of SaskPower’s electricity comes from coal.

Nuclear power does not emit greenhouse gases, and the premiers see SMRs as an opportunity to reduce emissions while providing an economic opportunity.

“We could be a world leader,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said of the export potential that could benefit Ontario.

Small modular reactors can operate individually or be set up with others at a single nuclear plant to supply a similar level of power as larger generators, such as you would find at a traditional nuclear power plant. Ontario Power Generation Inc.

This wouldn’t be Canada’s first time developing new nuclear reactor technology. Canada got 15 per cent of its electricity from nuclear in 2017, and is one of only about half a dozen countries that sells domestic-designed reactors. The CANDU is a pressurized heavy-water reactor designed in Canada, and there are 18 of them in Ontario, 1 in New Brunswick and 12 operating outside Canada.

Canada describes SMRs as “the next wave of innovation in nuclear energy technology.”

How are SMRs different than larger reactors?

SMRs are intended to be constructed in part or in whole in a factory and then shipped to the site. This could allow for cheaper construction and shorter construction times, according to the World Nuclear Association. Many of them are also designed to reside underground, making them less susceptible to natural disasters or terrorist attacks. They are also inherently safer, according to the World Nuclear Association, thanks to their higher surface area to volume ratio, when compared to larger reactors. Basically, they don’t get as hot, so there is less need to manufacture a heat-removal system and other advanced safety features. They also require a smaller emergency planning zone.

Does this technology have any new answers for how to handle nuclear waste?

No. As with reactors of any size, nuclear waste can remain radioactive for as long as 100,000 years.

Are other countries developing them? 

The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that there are around 50 SMR designs at different stages of development around the world, with Argentina, China and Russia ahead of other countries.

When could the reactors start operating?

The provinces hope that the technology can be developed and built within eight years. The Canadian Nuclear Safety commission is reviewing the designs of about a dozen companies, as part of the pre-licensing process, but none are actually close to being able to build an SMR. Still, the Canadian Small Modular Reactor Roadmap published by the federal government last year predicted that the country’s nuclear industry is poised to capture a significant share of the emerging global market by 2040.

— With files from The Canadian Press and Postmedia Network

Editor’s note:An earlier version of this article stated that Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba had pledged to work together to build small modular reactors. The third province should have been New Brunswick. The Post regrets the error. 

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