US-based Westinghouse Electric Company’s has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Pabineau and Eel River Bar First Nations to investigate Westinghouse technology for new-build projects at the Port of Belledune in New Brunswick, with an initial focus on the AP300 small modular reactor (SMR). The MOU also includes the assessment of using Westinghouse’s Long Duration Energy Storage technology at the Port of Belledune.
Pabineau First Nation and Eel River Bar First Nation are Mi’kmaq communities located in northern New Brunswick with Indigenous rights at the Port of Belledune. Westinghouse and the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council have signed a MOU to promote the selection and deployment of Westinghouse technology for nuclear new build projects in New Brunswick.
“We believe partnership is the key to success, and growing the economy of the province not only benefits First Nations but the whole province,” said Chief Terry Richardson of the Pabineau First Nation. “The Port of Belledune offers a great opportunity with land and a deep-water port that gives access to world markets.”
Eel River Bar First Nation Chief Jake Caplin said the agreement represents a forward-looking partnership that puts the two First Nations communities at the centre of “meaningful” economic and environmental progress. “We’re proud to be part of clean energy innovation in our territory that will benefit our community members for generations to come,” he said.
The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) manages the infrastructure and assets of the Port which has four marine terminals and 1,600 acres of industrial-zoned land offering some of the shortest sea shipping routes to Europe. In 2022, the BPA announced plans to pursue the use of SMR technology as part of future expansion, with proposals for an ARC Clean Technology Canada ARC-100 reactor to provide energy for hydrogen production and other industries.
