Safe, sustainable waste strategies for small modular reactors

The world urgently needs solutions to its greenhouse gas emissions problem—and small modular reactors (SMRs) could be one of them. SMRs are compact nuclear power plants designed to produce smaller amounts of electricity or heat, offering greater flexibility and safety and easier deployment compared to traditional, large nuclear reactors.

According to Dr. Arthur Situm, Canada Research Chair in Small Modular Reactor Safety and Licensing, nuclear energy is one of the best tools we have for the job.

“Nuclear power emits no greenhouse gases, and its power does not risk dropping off, which can happen with a weather-dependent power source, such as wind. It also doesn’t require a fossil fuel back-up source or use expensive storage options,” says Situm, an assistant professor of engineering at the University of Regina.

While SMRs produce waste (as do other power sources), the volume is small relative to the energy generated—and unlike other sources, all waste from SMRs can be captured and safely contained.

Now, with support from a partnership between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Situm and his team are developing strategies to manage that waste. Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and SaskPower are also part of this research project. The focus is on creating and implementing plans for the generation, collection, transport and storage of SMR waste.

“Safe long-term management and disposal of radioactive waste has always been a high priority for the nuclear industry,” says George Xu, Technical Manager, Isotopes Radiation and the Environment at CNL. “The NRCan-NSERC Alliance initiative provides a great opportunity for researchers at the University of Regina to access CNL expertise and facilities and address this challenge collaboratively. Together, we are working to get small modular reactors closer to deployment.”

Situm and his team are looking at a range of factors, including the amount of waste that will need to be managed. They are also developing potential designs for a repository of objects that contain only trace levels of contamination, examining how advanced fuels behave under long-term disposal conditions, and studying the public's views on potential waste management strategies.

Situm says one of the more surprising aspects of nuclear power is how little waste it actually produces. “A lifetime of electricity usage for one person would generate only enough used nuclear fuel to fit into one pop can, compared to 93,480 pounds of coal or 608,440 cubic feet of natural gas (and their associated greenhouse gas emissions).”

SaskPower experts planning for radioactive waste management are also integral to this project. The partnership supports SaskPower's strategic initiatives and provides valuable training for students, preparing them for roles in the nuclear sector.

“SaskPower is pleased to collaborate with Dr. Situm on this initiative, which aligns with our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship,” says Len Clewett, SaskPower’s Executive Vice-President of Nuclear Development. “We look forward to leveraging the results from this research over the long term as our SMR project advances.”

Another important feature of this project involves training the next generation of workers in SMR technology to ensure a pipeline of trained professionals who are ready to meet the demands of the evolving nuclear industry.

“Working with both undergraduate and graduate students is an investment in the future,” says Situm. “It equips them with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to tackle tomorrow’s energy challenges. It also promotes environmental sustainability, drives economic growth, and ensures safety and innovation in the nuclear sector.”

This article was adapted and republished with permission from the University of Regina.

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