April 9, 2018 – Bruce Power, Mirarco Mining Innovation and Laurentian University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will enhance “strategic research opportunities”—including the long-term potential for small modular reactors (SMRs)—to generate “clean, low-cost and reliable electricity” in rural/remote regions.

The five-year, $1-million research agreement will create an Industrial Chair position at Mirarco to highlight “opportunities in sustainable and clean energy solutions in Ontario’s north […]”.

“The chair position will allow Mirarco to further explore the use of [SMRs] application to remote mining operations,” said Vic Pakalnis, Mirarco president & CEO. “Northern Ontario will benefit from this strategic investment by the capacity to recruit a chair of high calibre who is internationally renowned in the field of sustainable energy solutions.”

Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power’s president & CEO, said the company has great interest in the developing field of SMRs, and is participating in NRCan efforts to create an “SMR roadmap” for the deployment of new, long-term, clean energy supply options. These nuclear technologies could play a role in safely powering the most remote northern communities that don’t have adequate electrical grid infrastructure, he added.

SEE ALSO Ottawa unveils road-mapping process for exploring small modular reactors.

“Right now, some of the most remote northern communities are serviced by diesel generators and other unsustainable methods that could be replaced by small modular reactors, or other low-carbon energy sources,” Rencheck added. “Bruce Power wants to be at the forefront of nuclear power’s future and, by joining forces with the sustainable energy research community, we can help to guide and focus their efforts as SMRs become a viable option for these communities.”

“Bruce Power provides 30% of Ontario’s electricity while generating zero carbon emissions,” said Marc Serre, Nickel Belt MP. “Unfortunately, some of our most remote northern communities do not have the electricity grid infrastructure to take advantage of low-carbon energy, and instead rely on diesel to power their lives.”

PHOTO (Back, left to right): Glenn Thibeault, Ontario’s Minister of Energy; Dr. Pierre Zundel, interim president and vice-chancellor at Laurentian University. (Front left to right): Dr. Rui Wang, vice-president, Research, Laurentian; James Scongack, Bruce Power vice-president, Corporate Affairs & Environment; Vic Pakalnis, president & CEO, Mirarco Mining Innovation. Photo Bruce Power.