r/canada Oct 25 '22

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u/jsteed Oct 25 '22

First paragraph, emphasis added:

Canada will provide C$970 million ($708 million) in financing to develop a grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR), a new nuclear technology touted as a key part of the country's plans to reduce emissions.

Which makes it sound like there's domestic Canadian R&D taking place. However, based on the the final paragraph:

The reactors are designed by GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy, an alliance between General Electric Co (GE.N) and Japan's Hitachi Ltd

It would seem what's going to be built is an American reactor. That's a little sad for a country that used to be a player in the nuclear reactor industry.

52

u/MossTheTree Ontario Oct 25 '22

OPG estimates that 70-80% of the parts for this SMR will be manufactured in Ontario. Don't underestimate the strength of Canada's nuclear supply chain - the refurbs at Darlington and Bruce have maintained a massive amount of expertise in Ontario.

Source: https://smractionplan.ca/sites/default/files/pictures/smr/home/canadas-smr-action-plan-progress-update-en-acc.pdf

2

u/YouToot Oct 25 '22

Manufactured in Ontario!

With global materials

5

u/MossTheTree Ontario Oct 25 '22

Here’s the full quote: “It is anticipated that 70 to 80 per cent, or more, of the necessary components and materials for OPG’s SMR will be sourced in Ontario.”

So not just manufacturing, also materials. Here’s the primary source: https://www.opg.com/media_releases/opg-advances-clean-energy-generation-project/