The Organisation of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) has announced it has received support to help launch its Ready4SMR Program from the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). OCNI is receiving over $786,250 in funding to develop and implement a Ready4SMR program in New Brunswick.
“New Brunswick has embarked on a programme to deploy small modular reactors, and our Ready4SMR programme will help local companies transition to the nuclear industry and participate in this program. Our goal is to develop as many local suppliers as possible, from trades to manufacturing, including those that are Indigenous owned,” stated OCNI’s Director, Business Development and SMR Supply Chain, Brian Fehrenbach.
Over two years, Phase 1 of the OCNI Ready4SMR program will identify and assist existing Atlantic Canadian companies in transitioning to nuclear suppliers. It begins by supporting an industrial self-assessment led by Opportunities New Brunswick and designed to identify those companies interested in exploring nuclear industry potential. The programme is supported in Atlantic Canada by existing OCNI members, ARC Clean Energy and Moltex Energy, as well as Opportunities New Brunswick, University of New Brunswick, and North Shore Micmac District Council.
Furthermore, Phase 1 will focus on training, education, and engagement. Supply chain and manufacturing consultants will assess and assist businesses to achieve necessary standards and official certifications to be part of the nuclear industry's future in New Brunswick and Canada by implementing nuclear QA programmes, nuclear management systems, and advanced manufacturing.
“SMRs are an influential technology which play a critical role in helping Canada meet and exceed its emissions targets,” said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA. “Investing in this technology creates potential for environmental and economic benefits as Canada moves towards a low-carbon future.”
“SMR technology provides an opportunity for Saint John to play a pivotal role in generating secure, non-emitting energy, right here in New Brunswick,” said Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay. “This project demonstrates our region’s efforts to not only deploy this emerging technology, but take advantage of the economic opportunities to help grow the local economy.”
“Our government has made energy innovation and the entire SMR ecosystem a priority sector for New Brunswick,” said Arlene Dunn, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Minister responsible for Immigration, Economic Development and Small Business, and Opportunities New Brunswick. “In collaboration with OCNI, we will help ensure that our province is in a position to continue to maximize the environmental and economic benefits that this sector presents and seize these opportunities for clean and sustainable energy for our communities.”
