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Whiteshell Laboratories

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

What is an SMR?

SMR stands for Small Modular Reactor, which is a type of nuclear reactor that is smaller in size and capacity than traditional nuclear reactors. They are designed to produce electricity on a smaller scale, usually up to 300 megawatts, and are made up of smaller, self-contained components that make them more flexible and easier to construct compared to traditional nuclear power plants.

One of the key advantages of SMRs is that they have the potential to be better for the environment compared to traditional nuclear power plants. This is due to several factors, such as:

  • Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: SMRs can produce low-carbon electricity without producing greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for damaging the environment and contributing to climate change.
  • Reduced Water Usage: SMRs require less water for cooling than traditional nuclear power plants, which can be beneficial in water-scarce areas.
  • Less Land Requirement: SMRs require less land as they are smaller in size and capacity, allowing them to be installed in locations where larger power plants would not be feasible.
  • Improved Safety Features: Due to their design, SMRs can incorporate advanced safety features that can reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall safety compared to larger nuclear reactors.

Overall, SMRs are considered to be a promising technology that can provide low-carbon, safe, and reliable electricity without the environmental impacts associated with traditional power plants.

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SMRs at the Whiteshell Laboratories Site

StarCore Nuclear is one of four SMR proponents engaged in a 4-stage vendor design review process with the CNSC. StarCore has passed stage one of the process. All projects are subject to regulatory processes and requirements.  The licensing process is entirely separate from CNL’s invitation and evaluation stages.

StarCore is working with the Local Government District of Pinawa to demonstrate their first SMR at the Whiteshell Laboratories site. Should StarCore Nuclear proceed through the licencing stages with the CNSC, the SMR project would become its own licenced site, separate  from WL’s decommissioning licence. The work to safely complete the restoration of the WL site would continue.

AECL is the landowner, and could, pending successful completion of the necessary steps, lease the lands to the proponent.

Regulation

The Canadian nuclear regulatory framework is internationally recognized as one of the best in the world. An SMR demonstration project, including its design and location, will only proceed if it satisfies the strict requirements set out by Canada’s nuclear regulator, the CNSC.

These requirements include an Environmental Assessment and licensing approvals as well as significant stakeholder and Indigenous engagement.

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