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Canadian Nuclear Association Conference in Ottawa

Ramon Gasull Anguera's picture
Sales Manager, TÜV SÜD

Ramon is an engineer with over ten years international experience in the nuclear industry, from new build to radioactive waste management & disposal projects, and expertise mainly in the...

  • Member since 2023
  • 3 items added with 202 views
  • Mar 14, 2023
  • 202 views

The Canadian nuclear industry is picking up speed. New projects are planned, public support is growing, and political leaders understand the significant role nuclear  plays when it comes to decarbonization and clean energy.  
  
Therefore, the Canadian Nuclear Association Conference (#CNA2023)  in Ottawa from 22nd to 24th of February was the perfect opportunity to meet face-to-face and participate in high-level discussions with relevant stakeholders driving the development of the nuclear industry in Canada to the next level. As expected, Small Modular Reactors were a huge topic, and we had the possibility of getting first-hand information about SMR projects and their licensing process in Canada and the USA. Considering the nature of some of the technologies to be used in SMR projects, there are still questions regarding safety and technology that will need to be answered before granting operating licenses to such facilities. It seems that the licensing of SMR projects using light water reactors are one step further compared to other technologies and will be the first to be licensed, constructed and hopefully commissioned and put into operation.  

European countries like for example Poland, Romania or the United Kingdom are also planning SMR projects and in many cases will rely on technology vendors from North America. Therefore, the current undergoing licensing activities in Canada and USA are also of high interest in Europe as in many cases is setting the basis for the future deployment of SMR around the globe. It is very important to transfer the lessons learned from North America to Europe, but also to increase the efforts to harmonize regulations and standards. Otherwise, the plans of many European countries to successfully execute SMR projects will face delays and the established targets related to the decarbonization of power generation and to minimize CO2 emissions in Europe will be compromised.  

Despite all challenges, I am convinced that the current positive momentum of the nuclear industry worldwide will contribute extensively to the decarbonization of the planet in the next years. International cooperation between companies working in the nuclear industry around the globe will be crucial to optimize resources and execute projects more efficiently. We at TÜV SÜD support our customers worldwide, and of course - also in Canada and in the US and are proud of being an active member contributing with our know-how to the nuclear projects not only in Europe, but also around the globe. Thanks to the Canadian Nuclear Association for organizing a perfect #CNA2023 event, uniting us to promote an even closer collaboration so that we can master the challenges together.  

Discussions
Jim Stack's picture
Jim Stack on Mar 15, 2023

SMR small or BIG they are still a radioactive hazard and run on a finite fuel. They requure huge amounts of water and are a terrorist risk. 

Ramon Gasull Anguera's picture
Ramon Gasull Anguera on Mar 29, 2023

Hi Jim, thanks for the comment. Yes, I agree, but all technologies are depending on finite resources - not only fuel shall be considered... Regarding terrorist risk, honestly this is not something only applicable to the nuclear industry, just think about chemical industry or airlines.. Water levels may be an issue for nuclear power plants constructed next to some rivers, but fortunately it is not an issue for those constructed next to the sea.

Audra Drazga's picture
Audra Drazga on Mar 17, 2023

Ramon - welcome to the community, and thanks for sharing this follow-up summary.  I look forward to reading more insights from you in the future! 

Ramon Gasull Anguera's picture
Ramon Gasull Anguera on Mar 29, 2023

Thanks Audra!

Ramon Gasull Anguera's picture
Thank Ramon for the Post!
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