Small Modular Reactors and Alberta’s Oil Sands

Abstract

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent a nuclear energy option that can meet the needs of a wide range of users and applications. SMR technologies have great potential significance to Alberta if they can be demonstrated to be viable for decarbonization of the oil sands and for power generation. Six of Canada’s largest oil sands producers are in Alberta and they have signed on to the Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero initiative to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from oil sands operations by 2050 to help Canada meet its climate goals. As part of this initiative, SMRs can be deployed to reduce GHG emissions, provide competitively priced, clean energy and become a reliable source of heat and power for oil sands operations. For example, SMRs can enable various applications in the oil sands, including Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD), surface mining, and bitumen upgrading by providing a zero-carbon source of process heat, electricity, and/or hydrogen. This paper describes the applications of SMRs in the oil sands, discusses unique regulatory considerations, and provides recommendations to enable their successful deployment.