In 2018, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) started the process of inviting vendors to participate in its small modular reactor (SMR) demonstration project. For many vendors, demonstration is a critical step towards realizing a commercially-viable SMR product. Presently, a number of companies have partnered with CNL on SMR demonstration activities, many of which view significant market opportunities for SMRs within Canada—the Canadian energy market is open and receptive to innovative SMR technologies, especially considering Canada’s resources, geographic layout, and the presence of numerous small, remote communities that require reliable energy sources. Developments in Canada may be play an important role in unleashing the commercial and economic viability of SMR technologies worldwide, thereby potentially maximizing the role of nuclear in clean energy globally.
