The Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) have announced funding of CAD9.4m ($7.13m) over three years, to support 29 research projects through the first phase of the NSERC-CNSC Small Modular Reactors Research Grant Initiative.
This is intended to enhance research and knowledge to support the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in a safe and secure manner and the strengthen the science needed for regulatory decisions.
The recipient projects will address research challenges and knowledge gaps ranging from the protection of the environment; the management of risks and cybersecurity solutions when deploying SMRs in remote locations; the understanding of nuclear material produced by SMRs; and the implication of human factors when working with SMRs.
“NSERC is proud to have joined efforts with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to support research projects that will advance our knowledge of small modular reactors. These findings will help guide Canada’s regulatory decisions and contribute to advancements in the development of this promising clean energy technology for years to come.”
As part of the 2022 Federal Budget, CNSC was awarded CAD15m to partner with NSERC to fund research supporting the effective regulation and regulatory oversight of SMRs. In this first phase, grants will be provided to project of up to CAD120,000 a year, for up to three years. The second phase, will include a further funding call in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to either extend existing projects and/or fund new projects for a two-year period. NSERC and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) have partnered to fund SMR research within the framework of Canada’s SMR Action Plan, which was launched in April 2022. This funding will be delivered through NSERC’s Alliance grants programme.
NSERC President Professor Alejandro Adem said the research projects “will help guide Canada’s regulatory decisions and contribute to advancements in the development of this promising clean energy technology for years to come.” CNSC President Rumina Velshi said: “The international community is watching Canada as we embark on the regulation of SMRs. This CNSC-NSERC funding initiative will help researchers study key areas, such as environmental protection, risk management, and cybersecurity in the context of SMRs. Through collaborative efforts such as this, we are laying the vital groundwork for a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable energy future.”
