Materials Research Using Neutron Beams Contributes to Clean Energy Objectives

Abstract

Research reactors are often used to produce beams of neutrons to study materials and provide knowledge that cannot be obtained as easily with other scientific methods. This extended abstract provides several illustrations of materials research with neutron beams contributing to clean energy objectives, addressing a national priority.Fighting climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires major changes to how we produce and use energy. About 85% of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada result from energy production and related activities, most of which is from burning fuels for transportation, industrial activities, heating of buildings, and electricity production. Materials research plays a key role in developing technology for clean electricity generation and reducing our need to burn fuel. Examples of such materials research with neutron beams are presented to demonstrate the value and impact of research reactors from this perspective.