Ontario and Yukon officials have recently inked a deal heralded as the initial stride towards implementing small modular reactors in Yukon. This innovative technology is seen as a potential remedy for the energy crisis facing the territory as its electricity grid nears capacity with an anticipated surge in demand, according to Ted Laking, Yukon’s energy minister.
Small modular reactors, compact versions of traditional nuclear plants, can be mass-produced in factories and conveniently transported to energy-deficient communities without requiring substantial land areas. Ontario’s energy minister, Stephen Lecce, emphasized the advantages of SMRs, highlighting their swift construction, modest size comparable to a community center, and minimal land footprint.
These reactors, capable of generating up to 300 megawatts, could potentially double Yukon’s current power generation capacity, offering a cleaner alternative to diesel generators that have been recently relied upon due to escalating energy demands. However, the challenge lies in the fact that this technology is not yet available in Canada.
The Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in Ontario is currently spearheading the development of SMRs based on a design by GEO Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, with an estimated construction cost of $7.7 billion for the initial reactor. The project, supported by $2 billion funding from Ottawa and listed as a federal major initiative, is aimed to be operational and integrated into the grid by 2030.
Amidst the momentum around nuclear energy, McMaster University researchers, including Stephen Veldhuis, have received grant funding to explore the feasibility of SMRs, particularly focusing on their functionality in extreme environments like the Far North. While some experts raise concerns about the suitability of nuclear energy in Yukon due to factors like thawing permafrost and seismic activities, proponents believe in the potential of SMRs to contribute to Canada’s energy landscape.
The collaborative agreement between Ontario and Yukon entails regular consultations to establish a regulatory framework for SMRs, addressing crucial aspects such as uranium supply chain and waste management. By leveraging Ontario’s expertise in pioneering SMRs in the Western world, the partnership aims to advance clean energy generation and boost reliability, particularly in regions like Yukon. Public opinion and social acceptance are also key considerations in the ongoing discourse surrounding the feasibility of nuclear energy in the territory.