Two Canadian provinces, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding on the development of Modular Nuclear Reactors (MNR) to accelerate the transition to low-carbon power generation. This initiative follows an initial Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2019 by the provinces of Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick to move forward together on the development of RMS. Alberta joined the group in April 2021.
Sharing knowledge between the two provinces
The renewed MOU allows the two provinces and their utilities, SaskPower and New Brunswick Power, to formally share their experience, knowledge and successes in deployment plans, supply chain development, Aboriginal relations, labour market development, regulation and other areas related to RMS.
In June 2022, SaskPower announced the selection of GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 as the preferred SMR technology for initial large-scale deployment on the Saskatchewan power system. The same model was selected by Ontario Power Generation in December 2021 for its proposed new nuclear reactor at Darlington. New Brunswick has selected ARC Clean Technology Canada Inc.’s ARC-100, a 100 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor nuclear power plant, for full commissioning at the Point Lepreau nuclear site by 2029.
A collaboration that is part of the fight against climate change
SMRs are also recognized in the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan as an important part of the goal of zero net electricity emissions by 2035. The ARC-100 is also being considered by the Belledune Port Authority for hydrogen production and other industries as part of a future expansion at the northern New Brunswick port.
According to Saskatchewan Crown Investment Corporation Minister Don Morgan, this new agreement “will allow both provinces to mutually benefit from opportunities arising from work on nuclear energy development in Canada and internationally. Both provinces hope to accelerate the decarbonization of power grids and industrial facilities through SMR technologies.
