What Are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? Canada’s Next Energy Frontier
What Are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? Canada’s Next Energy Frontier
As Canada advances toward a cleaner energy future, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are quickly emerging as a transformative technology—not just for their ability to deliver low-carbon energy, but for their potential to strengthen sovereignty, resilience, and security in remote and strategically important regions. In particular, SMRs are being explored as a reliable power source for Arctic communities and northern military installations, where traditional infrastructure is limited and energy dependency presents national security risks.
In this new blog series, the National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security, and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR) will explore the implications of SMR deployment from a security and risk perspective. The series begins with a foundational overview of SMRs and builds toward more complex questions around cybersecurity, regulatory gaps, and national resilience.
What Are SMRs?
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors designed with a smaller footprint and modular construction, allowing for scalable deployment and enhanced safety features. Unlike traditional large-scale nuclear reactors, SMRs can be manufactured in factories and transported to sites, making them particularly suitable for remote locations.
Why SMRs Matter for Canada
Energy Security: SMRs offer a stable and reliable power source, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing energy independence, especially in isolated regions.
Arctic Sovereignty: Deploying SMRs in the Arctic supports Canada’s strategic interests by providing energy to remote military bases and communities, reinforcing presence and sovereignty in the North.
Environmental Benefits: As low-carbon energy sources, SMRs contribute to Canada’s climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Economic Development: The modular nature of SMRs can stimulate local economies through job creation in manufacturing, construction, and maintenance.
️ Security and Resilience Considerations
While SMRs present numerous benefits, their deployment also introduces new challenges:
Cybersecurity Risks: The integration of digital systems in SMRs necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats.
Regulatory Frameworks: Existing nuclear regulations must evolve to address the unique aspects of SMRs, ensuring safety and security without hindering innovation.
Infrastructure Integration: Incorporating SMRs into existing energy grids and infrastructure requires careful planning to maintain system resilience.
Join the Conversation
This blog series aims to delve deeper into these topics, providing insights and fostering discussions on the role of SMRs in Canada’s energy landscape. We invite policymakers, industry experts, researchers, and the public to engage with us as we explore the future of SMRs.
Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, where we’ll examine:
The different types of SMRs and their applications
Cybersecurity challenges specific to SMRs
Regulatory considerations and the path forward
For more information and to follow the series, visit our SMR Security Blog.