The Government of Alberta has announced funding for a study into small modular nuclear reactors, September 19, 2023. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta funding research into small modular nuclear reactors

Sep 19, 2023 | 11:52 AM

EDMONTON – The Government of Alberta has announced funding to study what it hopes will be a growing part of its clean energy strategy.

The province will give $7 million to Cenovus Energy for a multi-year study that will look into how small modular nuclear reactors could be used in Alberta, and what additional information might be needed to pursue regulatory approval in the future.

Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz said small modular reactors have the potential to provide zero-emissions energy for Albertans.

“A few years ago, the idea of expanding nuclear energy use was on the back burner – that is no longer the case,” said Schulz. “In Alberta, small modular nuclear reactors have the potential to supply heat and power to the oil sands, simultaneously reducing emissions and supporting Alberta’s energy future.”

Cenovus’ study, totalling $26.7 million, will look into whether small modular reactor technology could be applied to steam-assisted gravity drainage projects in the oil sands, which drill into the reservoir and inject steam to softed the oil.

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The government said it is an early step to see whether this technology could be part of Alberta’s long-term solutions to reducing emissions from industry operations.

Rhona DelFrari, chief sustainability officer with Cenovus, adds that this study is a great example of the collaborative approach that is needed to reach their target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

“We’re exploring multiple technologies that would help significantly reduce our emissions, and small modular reactors show potential. This study will help us understand if this possible solution is economical and technically viable,” said DelFrari.

Provincial funding for the study comes from Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Industrial Transformation Challenge.