Development of Social License for Very Small Modular Reactors via the Demonstration Remote Community

Abstract

The need for the development of VSMR technologies to provide a safe, reliable, GHG emissions free, and affordable source of electricity for remote off-grid communities and remote industrial applications such as mining is growing both in Canada and globally. To effectively market these technologies, it will be required to construct and license a FOAK demonstration reactor to show that the reactor technology is safe and reliable. Pinawa is prepared to be the host community for VSMRs at AECL’s Whiteshell Laboratories, and is prepared to be the Demonstration Remote Community. Pinawa would be powered by the VSMR and the project would include other facilities, such as a greenhouse operation to grow fresh produce, to show that a VSMR project would not only provide safe, reliable, and affordable power, it will also enhance the quality of life of remote communities. This will assist VSMR vendors gain Social License for their technology. Keywords: Demonstration, safe, reliable, affordable, social license.