CNL Talks Nuclear Power at Arctic Development Expo The role of small modular reactor technology as a clean energy option for Canada’s Arctic region is discussed at the annual Inuvik conference

CHALK RIVER, Ontario, June 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that its President and CEO, Joe McBrearty, and Vice President Science and Technology Technology, explained Dr. Jeff Griffin during his presentations at the Arctic Development Expo earlier this week on the potential of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to provide options for Canada’s Arctic. With Canada’s far north experiencing some of the greatest global impacts of climate change, SMRs have the potential to serve as a safe, inexpensive, and reliable source of clean energy in the region.

SMRs are more versatile than traditional grid-scale reactors and can be deployed in off-grid locations to provide electricity to isolated communities and industrial sites, but also provide heat that could be used to heat public housing, commercial space, or even agricultural greenhouses. SMRs can also be paired with renewable energy sources in a hybrid energy network or used to support industrial applications such as hydrogen generation or process heat and steam – important factors in mining and mineral extraction.

“At CNL, we believe that SMRs have the potential to serve as transformative technology for regions like the Canadian Arctic and to serve as the foundation for environmental, social and economic prosperity,” commented Mr. McBrearty. “Canada’s northern and indigenous communities face unique energy challenges. Talks and engagements like the Arctic Development Expo help start an important dialogue about next generation reactors as options for the North that could improve the quality of life for people in more remote regions. “

Mr. McBrearty also spoke about economic development opportunities that could be enabled by SMRs in response to climate change, including mining and mineral extraction as well as data center hosting – an industry cultivated in other arctic regions around the world. The presentation also discussed Canadian sovereignty and national security applications that SMRs could offer as previously inaccessible regions and transportation routes open up in the Canadian Arctic.

CNL delivers an extensive research program working on answers to many of the key questions related to this clean energy technology, including remote monitoring, cybersecurity and hybrid systems. Dr. Griffin’s presentation focused on CNL’s work in developing SMR technology, including the ongoing project to set up a demonstration reactor on the Chalk River Laboratories campus.

Usually held in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, the Arctic Development Expo 2021 has been held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to encourage informed decision-making to improve circumpolar living and provide innovative solutions for northern realities create. This year’s conference focused on four themes – natural and renewable resources, climate and energy innovations, indigenous leadership, and circumpolar governance and knowledge economy.

For more information on CNL’s SMR program, please visit www.cnl.ca/smr.
For more information on SMRs and their role in Canada, please visit www.smractionplan.ca.
To learn more about the Arctic Development Expo, visit www.arcticdevelopmentexpo.com/.

About CNL

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is a global leader in nuclear science and technology, providing unique capabilities and solutions to a wide variety of industries. We are actively involved in industry-driven research and development in the nuclear, transportation, clean technologies, energy, defense, security and life sciences sectors and provide solutions to keep these sectors internationally competitive.

With ongoing investments in new facilities and a focused mandate, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories are well positioned for the future. A new standard of performance, reinforced with a strong safety culture, underlines every activity.

For more information on the full range of services offered by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, please visit www.cnl.ca or contact [email protected].

CNL contact:
Patrick Quinn
Director, corporate communications
CNL, 1-866-886-2325