Canada’s Global First Power Ltd (GFP) has signed a Project Host Agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). The agreement is in support of GFP’s proposed Micro Modular Reactor™ (MMR™) project to be sited at Chalk River Laboratories, which are owned by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and managed by CNL.
The agreement establishes the framework under which GFP and CNL will work co-operatively with respect to licensing, design, siting and other matters to advance the project.
The finalisation of the agreement is a significant milestone for both parties as they collaborate to lead the advancement of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Canada. In 2018, CNL launched a process seeking proponents to construct and operate an SMR demonstration unit at a CNL-managed site. GFP is currently in stage three of CNL’s four-stage process, and is the furthest advanced of all proponents under consideration. Finalisation of the host agreement sets the framework for GFP and CNL to complete a land-use agreement and ultimately, move to the fourth and final stage.
“SMR vendors are in a global race to be first to market. This agreement cements Global First Power as the Canadian leader in off-grid SMRs, which can unlock emissions-free resource projects and get remote communities off diesel,” said Robby Sohi, GFP’s president and CEO. “Signing the agreement is an important milestone which demonstrates the commitment of both CNL and GFP to progress this important clean energy project.”
“We are excited to reach this major milestone with Global First Power to site a demonstration small modular reactor at the Chalk River Laboratories campus. This agreement is the culmination of many months of hard work by both parties, and creates a framework for the project as it moves forward,” commented Joe McBrearty, president and CEO at CNL. “It is encouraging to see momentum continue to build towards the construction of the next-generation of nuclear reactors. Canada has a niche opportunity in off-grid technologies for resource extraction and remote communities. This project will help to sustain the leadership position already established.”
GFP is a joint venture partnership owned by Ontario Power Generation and USNC Power, the Canadian operating arm of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC). GFP is proposing to construct and operate a 15MWt (approximately 5MWe) MMR plant which would serve as a model for future SMR deployments to support remote industrial applications.
GFP’s proposal is also subject to regulatory processes and requirements, which are independent of CNL’s review and evaluation process. GFP has submitted an application for a Licence to Prepare Site to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and an environmental assessment for the project is underway.
Photo: How the Micro Modular Reactor might look (Credit; USNC)
