The Role of Research Reactors in Developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Canada

Abstract

With an interest in reducing carbon emissions, Canada has committed to expanding its nuclear reactor fleet beyond its domestic CANDU design by deploying a variety of small modular reactor (SMR) designs. However, the lack of replacement for the shutdown National Research Universal (NRU) has left Canada with significantly diminished capabilities in neutron beam analysis and fuel and material irradiation which are required for the development of advanced SMR designs. Additionally, Western Canada now operates no reactors, with potential consequences for regional training opportunities at a time when Alberta and Saskatchewan are aspiring to deploy SMRs to decarbonize their fossil fuel-heavy grids. This review will provide insight into the current capabilities of Canada’s research reactors as they relate to SMR development while highlighting gaps in these capabilities and providing recommendations for the development of a new multipurpose research reactor (MPRR) and to increase accessibility to Canada’s existing research reactors.