Turning the roadmap into action: Partnering to support Canada’s small modular reactor action plan

Today, the Government of Canada took the next step in its journey to deploy the next generation of nuclear technology with the release of its small modular reactor (SMR) action plan, a follow up to the small modular reactor roadmap released in 2018. The action plan is a report outlining the progress and ongoing efforts across Canada to turn the SMR roadmap into reality, which Hatch has endorsed and contributed to with a partner chapter.

“At Hatch, we’re committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change. Our aim is to deliver sustainable and accessible power for all, safely. Nuclear energy and technology is one pathway we are taking to deliver on this critical mandate. We are pleased to be part of the official launch of Canada’s SMR action plan as a partner, supporting Canada’s efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” shared Jim Sarvinis, managing director, Power, Hatch.

During a live virtual event, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources announced the official launch of the report which outlines Canada’s SMR progress, includes a statement of principles endorsed by all action plan participants, as well as individual chapters drafted by the partners outlining plans and actions.

Nathan Tedford, nuclear technologies lead at Hatch added, “Small modular reactors represent an emerging clean energy technology with the potential to play a large role in supporting our low carbon energy future. Today’s release of the action plan is a step in the right direction and we’re excited to support the realization of this very real potential. We will continue our work to support the development and deployment of SMR technologies in Canada, and internationally.”

Hatch’s major actions include continued engagement with industry partners promoting the SMR potential in mining, metals, and within the heavy oil industry; promoting diversity and inclusion and its role in the future of SMRs; pushing and adapting leading edge digital project delivery methods while leveraging new technologies, and; promoting initiatives to decrease overall costs.

Click here to view Canada’s Small Modular Reactor action plan.