News
NB Power Submits Environmental Impact Assessment Registration and Licence to Prepare Site Application for Advanced Small Modular Reactor Project
2023-06-30
Fredericton, N.B. – NB Power, in partnership with ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc. (ARC), is pleased to announce the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment registration document to the Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG) and a Licence to Prepare Site Application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) on the advanced Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project. These submissions mark an important milestone in the plans to construct and operate an advanced small modular reactor on the site of the existing Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (PLNGS).
NB Power’s recently launched strategic plan, Energizing our Future, highlights the need to phase out coal by 2030 and achieve net-zero supply by 2035, while maintaining energy security.
“To transition to a cost-effective, clean and secure energy supply, we are exploring new ways of delivering energy to customers. Small modular reactors are part of the solution to reach our target of being net-zero by 2035 and ensure that we are meeting the needs of New Brunswickers today and into the future.”, said Lori Clark, President and CEO of NB Power.
NB Power expects to develop strategic partnerships to support the construction and operation of the advanced small modular reactor. These partnerships will be designed to foster accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability, while facilitating the realization of the project’s potential benefits.
Since 2018, ARC has been working on the development of the ARC-100, a modular, advanced sodium-cooled fast reactor that will generate at least 100 megawatts of electricity. NB Power has been providing technical support for the project, which is expected to be the first deployment of an on-grid advanced SMR facility in Canada. The project is a key objective of Stream 2 of the Strategic Plan for the Deployment of Small Modular Reactors prepared by the governments of New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in 2022.
“The milestone achieved today demonstrates that ARC and NB Power continue to be industry leaders in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technology in Canada,” said Bill Labbe, President and CEO of ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to grow the low-carbon economy of the future, and ARC looks forward to the open and transparent public licensing processes that are now beginning.”
The documents will become publicly available in the coming days. To learn more, visit Advanced Small Modular Reactors (nbpower.com)
For more information, please visit: www.arc-cleantech.com
MEDIA CONTACT FOR NB POWER: Dominique Couture, Communications, (506) 458-2345 or DCouture@nbpower.com
MEDIA CONTACT FOR ARC: Sandra Donnelly, Corporate Services, sdonnelly@arc-cleantech.com
About NB Power
For over 100 years, NB Power has been a part of the fabric of New Brunswick, Canada. The provincial electric utility has one of the most diverse generation fleets in North America, with approximately 80 per cent non-emitting generation. Over 2,600 energy experts provide reliable, safe and sustainable energy for over 400,000 direct and indirect customers every day. Using a customer-centric approach, NB Power is committed to developing sustainable energy for future generations of New Brunswickers. Part of this commitment includes investments in energy efficiency programs, energy solutions, renewable energy sources and smart grid technology.
About ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc
ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc. (ARC) is a clean energy technology company developing the ARC-100, an advanced small modular reactor (aSMR) offering inherently safe, reliable, and economical carbon free power. Leveraging proven technology from the 30-year performance of its prototype, the ARC-100’s simple, modular design provides 100 megawatts of electricity and industrial heat that will be cost competitive with fossil fuels. Important applications include the decarbonization of heavy industry, the fueling of low-carbon hydrogen projects, and the creation of life-saving medical isotopes. The ARC-100 has been selected by New Brunswick Power for implementation on their Point Lepreau site with completion by the end of this decade. ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc. has offices in Saint John, New Brunswick and is a subsidiary of ARC Clean Technology Inc. based in Washington, DC.
