CNL seeking input for its proposal to build small nuclear reactors at Chalk River

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) has received more than 70 responses to its request for expression of interest in its small modular reactors (SMR) to determine its future course in their development and commercialization. The responses include SMR technology developers, the nuclear supply chain and R&D institutions as well as potential host communities. SMRs comprise a key plank in CNL’s 10-year vision for its development of the Chalk River facility it currently manages on behalf of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. The strategy aims to build an SMR on site by 2026. SMRs have gained credence in recent years as a viable and cheaper alternative to large-scale nuclear reactors, such as the aging National Research Universal (NRU) reactor in Chalk River which is scheduled to shut down on March 31/18. Included in the CNL submissions are 15 expressions of interest to build a prototype or demonstration reactor on site. Once CNL analyzes the submissions, a report will be publicly available on the consortium’s website.