Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Update

Ontario Power Generation is proud to support the first regulatory application for a small modular reactor (SMR) in Canada, led by Global First Power (GFP). The application was submitted to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) on March 20, 2019. The application is also supported by nuclear-technology-innovator Ultra Safe Nuclear™ Corporation (USNC).

This is a significant milestone in the Canadian nuclear industry and supports a project proposal for a Micro Modular Reactor (MMR®) at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s property at the Chalk River site.

The application is in response to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) invitation, issued in April 2018, seeking proponents to construct and operate a SMR demonstration unit at a CNL-managed site. This proposal is the first to advance to Phase 3 of CNL’s thorough four-step review process.

Submission of the application builds on the collaborative efforts of many organizations who share a vision of bringing the benefits of SMRs to Canada. SMRs would be a source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gases, providing a viable option to displace fossil fuel use and achieve Canada’s environmental and climate change goals.

The MMR® technology would serve as a model for future off-grid SMR deployment in Canada, to provide low-carbon energy and heat to remote industry and northern communities - one of the potential SMR applications highlighted in Canada’s SMR Roadmap, a comprehensive report released in November, which provides the framework for future SMR deployment in Canada.

While this site preparation licence application is an important milestone, it is one step in CNL’s ongoing proponent selection process. An environmental assessment must be completed and will include Indigenous and public engagement. Additional licences to construct and operate the SMR will be required to be approved by Canada’s nuclear regulator, the CNSC.