The technology that will make nuclear power more accessible

Source: Energy Future/Mix| · CEPA FOUNDATION · | January 12, 2023

Why Small Modular Reactors are an important piece of the energy transition toolkit

Alberta Innovates is the province’s most comprehensive research and innovation agency with a total managed portfolio impact of $1.2 billion in value encompassing 1,320 active projects. They work across sectors to fund, partner and enable entrepreneurship throughout the province. Developing Alberta’s technology sector includes more than funding projects; another key role is acting as conveners to build clean energy partnerships in Alberta.

Vanessa White, director renewable and alternative energy at Alberta Innovates, presented at the 2022 CEPA Foundation Quality Summit to explain why Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are transformative and the role they could play in advancing the energy transition.

We spoke with White to learn more. She explained that Alberta Innovates identified a need to develop the foundation for SMRs within the industry. “SMRs are an important piece of the toolkit that Alberta will need to develop in order to decarbonize the electrical grid and heavy industry, including the energy industry.”

What are SMRs?

The World Nuclear Association defines an SMR as one that can produce up to 300 MWe (up to 700 for medium modular reactors). Unlike large-scale reactors, of which there are almost 20 in Canada, they are manufactured in components that can be set up and connected on-site.