Canadian Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Roadmap

Lead Proponent: Canadian Nuclear Association
Location: Ottawa, ON
EIP Contribution: $ 224,408
Project Total: $ 520,000
Strategic Area: Nuclear Energy

Project Objectives:

The objective of this project was to develop a roadmap which will identify the opportunities for on and off-grid applications of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Canada.  SMRs are at an early stage of development in Canada.  This project will take on a pan-Canadian approach towards nuclear energy, which may help to guide important decisions on existing and emerging nuclear energy technologies.  

The roadmap was lead by a stakeholder group consisting experts from the provinces, territories and energy utilities in Canada.  Stakeholders and partners in the project provided input and insight during application-focused workshops, guided and contributed to analysis undertaken by working groups, and provided feedback on the SMR Roadmap document.

Expected Results:

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 results of this initiative will help drive SMR development and deployment in Canada, and will position Canada to make the most of our ongoing transition to a low-carbon economy.

Some of the outcomes of the Roadmap include:

• Clarity on needs and priorities of stakeholders and Canadians;
• Understanding of the value proposition of different SMR technologies;
• Identification of key issues related to regulatory readiness, waste management and transportation policy;
• Appreciation of risks and challenges;
• Identification of policy levers that may impact SMR feasibility in Canada.
• In addition, the roadmap process has prepared a way forward to position Canada for success domestically and for best advantage in the emerging global SMR market.

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

Project Partners:

Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Bruce Power
SaskPower
NB Power
Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC)
Alberta Innovates
Government of New Brunswick - Department of Energy and Resource Development
Government of Northwest Territories - Department of Infrastructure
Government of Ontario - Ontario Ministry of Energy
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL)