Petits réacteurs modulaires

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are emerging nuclear energy technologies producing 300 MW or less, offering a potential source of reliable, emission-free electricity for Canada's energy transition. While Canada possesses a strong nuclear industry and uranium reserves, SMRs are currently classified as a 'wild-card' technology due to high costs, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of commercial viability. Despite these challenges, several Canadian provinces and the federal government are investing in SMR development, with projects planned for Ontario, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick.

• Small modular reactors (SMRs) are defined as emerging nuclear technology producing 300 megawatts or less per reactor, which is significantly smaller than traditional plants that produce 1,000 megawatts or more. They offer advantages such as passive safety systems, reduced vulnerability to core meltdowns, and the potential for factory-based serial production to lower costs.
• Canada is strategically positioned to lead in SMR growth due to its established nuclear industry, research history, and uranium reserves. Federal investments include 70 million dollars for fuel production and waste treatment and 51 million dollars for regulatory capacity. Provincially, Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have a joint strategic plan, with Ontario Power Generation pursuing a reactor of up to 300 MW at the Darlington station for completion by the late 2020s, and Saskatchewan planning its first SMR for 2034.
• SMRs are currently considered a 'wild-card' (pari risqué) because they are not yet commercially viable and face severe cost inflation. For example, a NuScale project in Utah saw estimated costs rise from 4.2 billion to 9.3 billion dollars, with projected electricity costs three times higher than wind or solar for similar capacity, leading to the project's withdrawal.
• Significant non-financial barriers include social opposition regarding nuclear waste and safety, complex and non-standardized regulatory licensing processes, and a lack of supply chains for the highly enriched uranium-235 fuel required by many SMR designs.

APA

Canadian Climate Institute (2024). Petits réacteurs modulaires. https://institutclimatique.ca/valeurs-sures-paris-risques/petits-reacteurs-modulaires/

Chicago

Canadian Climate Institute. Petits réacteurs modulaires. 2024. https://institutclimatique.ca/valeurs-sures-paris-risques/petits-reacteurs-modulaires/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Canadian Climate Institute |title=Petits réacteurs modulaires |date=3 December 2024 |url=https://institutclimatique.ca/valeurs-sures-paris-risques/petits-reacteurs-modulaires/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{canadianclimateinstitute2024petits, author = {{Canadian Climate Institute}}, title = {{Petits réacteurs modulaires}}, institution = {Canadian Climate Institute}, year = {2024}, month = dec, url = {https://institutclimatique.ca/valeurs-sures-paris-risques/petits-reacteurs-modulaires/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }