Imagining Saskatchewan's Future with Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

Abstract

In Saskatchewan, a challenge lies ahead to meet Canada’s increasing carbon restrictions and ‘net-zero emissions’ target by 2050. In addition to renewables, the provincial government has signaled particular interest in the new generation of small modular reactors (SMRs).

SMRs have the potential to address many of the province and public’s needs across a range of applications and benefits in Saskatchewan. This range can include clean energy (electricity and heat) to industry, mining, hydrogen production, and micro-grids; it can also include concerns such as water quality and air pollution from diesel fuel use, as well as cost and safety.

In order to help assess the potential of SMRs to address benefits and concerns, a methodology is proposed – namely, a geography of micro-reactors. Such a geography integrates survey and focus group data from communities in Saskatchewan surrounding public SMR perceptions; an imaginary of what a future Saskatchewan power grid could look like; and a mapping of the latter’s transition to reduced and net zero emissions.

The geography of micro-reactors is then illustrated by using the example of an SMR technology currently under research and development for potential deployment in Canada. This is the Westinghouse eVinci Micro-Reactor, a factory built and easily transportable "nuclear battery" based on an innovative heat pipe technology and generating 4-5MW electric or 15MW thermal per unit.