A new consortium of partners has joined together to seize the opportunities and benefits of clean energy development in Atlantic Canada. Collectively the new Atlantic Clean Energy Alliance will work towards meeting the challenge of satisfying 2050 global emissions reduction targets.
“We have brought together key partners representing community, academia, private- and public-sector participants to collaborate on clean energy development in New Brunswick,” stated Colleen d’Entremont, president of the Atlantica Centre for Energy. “The province is well-positioned as the centre for development of fourth-generation small modular reactors.”
The Atlantic Clean Energy Alliance consists of representatives of the University of New Brunswick, Moltex Energy, ARC Nuclear Canada, NB Power, Atlantica Centre for Energy, the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development, Opportunities New Brunswick, and Economic Development Greater Saint John.
Representatives of the Alliance will be front and centre this week during the Canadian Nuclear Association national conference in Ottawa. The conference features New Brunswick small modular reactor (SMR) technology development and the opportunities it presents. New Brunswick is gaining traction in the development of SMR technology as evidenced by ARC Nuclear Canada and Moltex Energy establishing offices in Saint John, as well as Laurentis Power Group establishing its first office outside Ontario (in Saint John).
New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Ontario recently announced an MOU regarding development of SMR technology in Canada, with three streams of concurrent development taking place.
“Small modular reactors are well-positioned to provide a significant solution to global climate change by helping to meet rising worldwide energy demand in a way that will also reduce emissions,” said Natural Resources and Energy Development Minister Mike Holland. “In addition to providing our own electricity needs from emission-free sources, advanced SMRs can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions significantly and support future renewable generation.”
Energy innovation was identified as a priority sector to grow New Brunswick’s economy, consistent with federal programs to encourage clean energy development.
Wayne Long, MP for Saint John-Rothesay and vocal supporter of the development of grid-scale SMR technology in New Brunswick commented, “I am working tirelessly to secure a significant federal investment to support this New Brunswick initiative. This clean technology is key to reducing emissions and tackling climate change.”
The Alliance is interested in adding other clean energy innovators as interest grows.
