Summer 2022 update on the Micro Modular Reactor Project

As work continues on both the environmental assessment (EA) and licensing assessment for Global First Power’s (GFP’s) proposed Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) project at the Chalk River Laboratories site in Renfrew County, Ontario, our staff are providing regular updates on the project.

The MMR project is a proposed nuclear reactor that would produce about 15 megawatts (thermal) of process heat to generate electrical power and heat over an expected lifespan of 20 years. The proposed project is located within the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.

Where are we now?

There are no new updates on our licensing technical assessment of GFP’s proposal since the February 2022 project update. The assessment is ongoing and GFP continues to develop documents supporting its licensing application.

In relation to the EA, in May 2022 we announced the Participant Funding Program (PFP) opportunity for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) phase of GFP’s proposed MMR project. This funding opportunity is intended to support Indigenous Nations and communities and the public in reviewing and submitting comments on GFP’s draft EIS during the public comment period, anticipated in early 2023. The deadline to submit a participant funding application for this EIS phase of funding is July 29, 2022.

Next steps

Our staff are now waiting for a draft EIS, which GFP anticipates will be ready for review in late 2022. When the draft EIS is received, our staff will verify that it includes all necessary information and once determined that it is in conformity, staff will proceed to a detailed technical review. We lead the technical review while working closely with other federal and provincial partners and participating Indigenous Nations and communities. In parallel, the draft EIS will be published on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry for public review (reference number 80182).

Outreach

Our staff will host a number of public webinars on the MMR project and related topics. During these webinars, updates will be provided on the proposed project and participants will be encouraged to submit questions regarding this project. Visit our YouTube channel to view our past webinars on regulating SMRs and the MMR project, and subscribe for email notifications for future webinars and other news and updates.

For inquiries or questions about the MMR project and the regulatory review process, as well as to register for MMR-specific project updates, please send an email to: MMR-MRM@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca.