SAINT JOHN (GNB) – The provincial government will promote its energy vision and how it can be a global leader for clean energy at the Canadian Nuclear Society’s 47th annual conference that is underway in Saint John from June 4 to 7.
“Nuclear energy and small modular reactors are one of the clean energy solutions and transition fuels that will help lower global emissions and drive economic growth in New Brunswick,” said Natural Resources and Energy Development Minister Mike Holland. “Our four decades of reliable nuclear operations is one of many advantages that ideally positions us to be Canada’s energy gateway to Europe.”
The conference follows a trade mission to the World Hydrogen Summit in the Netherlands where Premier Blaine Higgs promoted New Brunswick as a rising global energy leader.
The development of small modular reactors (SMRs) is part of the province’s clean energy vision. Holland said they have the potential to supply safe and reliable zero-emissions energy for residents and businesses within the province and around the world.
Two companies in Saint John, Moltex and ARC, are developing SMR technologies. The development of the Generation lV, first-of-their-kind small modular reactor technologies, is recognized in New Brunswick’s Climate Change Action plan as an important part of achieving net zero electricity emissions.
Earlier this year New Brunswick signed an agreement with Saskatchewan that recognizes ARC Clean Technology and the ARC-100 as potential technological solutions to advance industrial decarbonization in Saskatchewan.
Holland said the development and deployment of small modular reactors designed in New Brunswick is a significant opportunity for the province to help power the world with clean energy while at the same time encouraging economic growth within the province.
The New Brunswick Energy Secretariat was created last fall to lead the province’s energy vision, which is based on six principles to leverage the province’s unique assets:
- utilizing the province’s location and natural resources to develop lower carbon energy solutions;
- developing hydrogen and other clean energy sources;
- implementing small modular reactions (SMRs) as safe and reliable non intermittent low carbon generation;
- building new clean energy supply chains;
- growing economic relations with First Nation communities; and
- achieving both energy security and net zero.