Canadian Nuclear Laboratories expands its energy siting program to hydrogen and storage

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is expanding its energy technology siting program to include fusion, hydrogen, and battery storage. This initiative aims to attract investors and industrial players to accelerate the development and commercialization of new energy solutions in Canada.

Partagez:

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), a Canadian organization specializing in nuclear science and technology, has announced the expansion of its energy technology siting program. Initially focused on small modular reactors (SMRs), the program now includes nuclear fusion, hydrogen production, battery storage, and clean fuel production.

A strategy to embrace emerging energy technologies

In response to technological advancements and Canada’s clean energy goals, CNL aims to facilitate the development of industrial prototypes and demonstration projects at its sites. Expanding the program allows energy sector players to test and commercialize their innovations. Jack Craig, President and CEO of CNL, emphasized that this initiative is designed to support Canada’s positioning in the global market for advanced energy technologies.

A partnership between the public and private sectors

This program is supported by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), a Crown corporation that owns the sites managed by CNL. Fred Dermarkar, President and CEO of AECL, stated that this model fosters collaboration between the government and the industry. The facilities at Chalk River Laboratories and Whiteshell Laboratories could host these projects, provided applications meet the defined siting procedures and approval requirements.

A structured framework for industrial projects

Companies seeking to join the program must follow a four-stage process, updated to reflect a more collaborative approach. CNL is also continuing discussions with SMR vendors and reaffirming its commitment to hosting an SMR at one of its sites in the near future.

Investment and innovation opportunities

The expansion of the siting program could attract new investors and accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough energy solutions. CNL remains open to discussions with project developers to establish collaboration frameworks aligned with industrial and regulatory requirements.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.