Small Nuclear Reactors Will Create Jobs, And Safe Supply Of Clean Energy
Norman JD Sawyer is President & Chief Executive Officer for ARC Nuclear Canada Inc. & Rory O’Sullivan is Chief Executive Officer, North America, for Moltex Energy.
Nuclear energy has been part of New Brunswick’s electricity supply since 1983 when NB Power began commercial operation of a 660 MW CANDU 6 unit at Point Lepreau. Since then, nuclear has been providing the province with safe, clean, and reliable electricity, while creating high-value jobs.
In 2018, NB Power and the Government of New Brunswick selected ARC Nuclear Canada Inc. (ARC Canada) and Moltex Energy from among 90 applicants to independently develop their reactor technologies in New Brunswick, with the aim of having two new operational facilities at the Point Lepreau site as early as 2030.
ARC Canada is advancing the design of its 100 MW ARC-100, which boasts multiple fueling options combined with a 20-year fueling cycle. In particular, the reactor has the potential to be fueled with new fuel, its own recycled fuel, and recycled used fuel from CANDU reactors offering versatility and bringing reliability to the grid in partnership with intermittent renewables.
Moltex Energy is developing a 300 MW Stable Salt Reactor – Wasteburner (SSR-W), specifically designed to consume used CANDU fuel. In tandem, it is developing thermal energy storage technology, allowing energy to be stored and released to the grid as needed, so the reactor can balance the variable output from renewables.
The advantages of new clean generation in New Brunswick are significant. These reactors do not emit greenhouse gases during generation, leading to better air quality, less smog and lower asthma rates. They will also operate cost-effectively, saving homeowners and businesses on their electricity bills. Both reactors are also ideally suited to generate the heat necessary for hydrogen production; a process that currently relies on emission-laden fossil fuels.
Both advanced technologies can contribute to waste minimization as well. For example, by recycling the existing waste fuel and its own waste fuel, the volume of high-level nuclear waste can be reduced by up to 100 times. In turn, this will lower waste management costs, help meet environmental stewardship goals, and strengthen public confidence.
These reactors offer New Brunswick opportunities for economic growth in the emerging clean energy sector. Not only will there be sustainable jobs supporting the construction and operation of these reactors, there will be jobs supplying all the necessary parts and services.
Beyond local employment, there are export opportunities that come from having two advanced reactors and an accompanying supply chain. When ARC Canada and Moltex Energy market their technology in other parts of the world, the products and services that support their operations will be in high demand. New Brunswick then becomes a hub for advanced nuclear manufacturing and engineering.
A recent labour study showed the two new reactors will create significant and sustainable employment opportunities between 2020 and 2035. This labour market growth would contribute over $1-billion to Gross Domestic Product and result in $120 million in provincial government revenue.
And with reactor lifetimes of 60 years, these jobs will last far beyond 2035. This might explain why enrollment in nuclear-related courses at the University of New Brunswick doubled in the last year. Young people are excited about the prospect of long-term, well-paid jobs. Many recognize the nuclear industry can provide an exciting career, without having to leave our beautiful province.
Through the establishment of bilateral government support, along with private investment, there lies an opportunity for governments, industry, First Nations groups and other stakeholders to work together towards shared goals. The world is watching as New Brunswick takes decisive actions to become a leader in reducing emissions, contributing to a stronger economy, and improving people’s lives.
Huddle publishes commentaries from groups and individuals on important business issues facing the Maritimes. These commentaries do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Huddle. To submit a commentary for consideration, contact editor Mark Leger: [email protected].