The pros and cons of small modular reactors and where we could see them generating nuclear power
The devastating impacts of climate change caused by burning fossil fuels are forcing countries around the world to look for zero-emissions alternatives for generating electricity.
One such alternative is nuclear energy, and the International Energy Agency — a group focused on energy security, development and environmental sustainability for 30-member countries — says the transition to a cleaner energy system will be drastically harder without it.
Canada’s government appears to be on board, saying nuclear innovation plays a “critical role” in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as Canada moves toward a low-carbon future.
While husky Candu reactors have powered some Canadian communities for decades, governments are now eyeing technology of a different scale. The federal government describes small modular reactors (SMR), as the “next wave of innovation” in nuclear energy technology and an “important technology opportunity for Canada.”
Here’s what you need to know about them.
What’s a small modular reactor?
Traditional nuclear reactors used in Canada can typically generate about 800 megawatts of electricity, or about enough to power about 600,000 homes at once (assuming that 1 megawatt can power about 750 homes).
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN organization for nuclear co-operation, considers a nuclear reactor to be “small” if it generates under 300 megawatts.
For the rest of this article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/small-modular-reactors-nuclear-smr-1.5187469