Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are the next generation of nuclear energy innovation, with the potential to help address challenges and opportunities related to climate change and economic growth. The Canadian SMR Roadmap concluded that SMRs provide a source of safe, clean, affordable energy, with the ability to contribute towards a resilient, low-carbon future. SMRs can promote key benefits for Canada and Canadians, such as: meeting Canada’s climate change commitments, unlocking opportunities for job creation and economic growth; and sustaining and expanding Canada’s leadership in research and innovation. The provinces of New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and committed to work cooperatively to advance the development and deployment of SMRs to address the needs of the provinces with regards to addressing climate change, regional energy demand, economic development (e.g., supply chain, fuel manufacture, skilled employment, and export opportunities), and research and innovation opportunities.
Manager, Operational Readiness, Advanced Reactor Development New Brunswick Power Corporation
Brent Smith, mechanical engineering graduate from the University of New Brunswick, has over 30 years as a professional engineer in New Brunswick. He has over 27 years of experience in nuclear power at an operating CANDU-6 facility (Point Lepreau) including leadership roles in engineering, reactor inspections, fuel handling, maintenance, refurbishment, nuclear oversight and quality assurance, and now in advanced reactor development. He is currently the Chairperson of the CANDU Owners Group (COG) R&D Technology Forum and the President-Elect of Canadian Society of Senior Engineers.
