As part of the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions, Canada’s first fourth-generation advanced Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is being launched in New Brunswick.
NB Power has filed an application to the federal regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), for a License to Prepare Site. In conjunction with this impressive project milestone, NB Power also filed an application to begin the provincial Environmental Impact Assessment process.
The project is an ARC-100 advanced SMR in partnership with ARC Clean Technology.
These two applications kickstart consultations, public input and review of numerous studies required to achieve the final License to Operate. All of which is required prior to any new nuclear being commissioned adjacent to the existing Point Lepreau Nuclear Power Plant.
Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta as well as New Brunswick are parties to an interprovincial Memorandum of Understanding on SMR development and have expressed interest in exploring the benefits of SMRs to help reduce emissions and clean their electricity grids.
Part of this innovative effort is to address increasing demand for non-emitting electricity in the future as well as needs beyond electricity. SMRs can also be used to create non-emitting fuels like hydrogen, for use in transportation, industry and for export.
NB Power’s recently released Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), acknowledges increased electricity demand and the need for a broad cross-section of electricity generation to maintain flexibility, affordability, and energy security.
New Brunswick requires a baseload of non-carbon emitting electricity available 24/7 to replace coal and other emitting generation. Advanced SMRs will also support renewable energy sources dependent on weather conditions. Beyond New Brunswick, NB Power is well positioned to support growing electricity needs in PEI and Nova Scotia, as well as the Northeastern United States.
While the rest of the country looks on, NB Power is working through the federal and provincial application process to provide clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy to achieve climate action goals.