Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) has announced a significant expansion of its small modular reactor (SMR) siting invitation program, broadening its scope to support a wider range of clean energy technologies. The newly rebranded Clean Energy Siting Program will now accommodate projects beyond nuclear fission-based SMRs, including fusion energy, hydrogen production, battery storage, and clean fuel facilities.
CNL President and CEO Jack Craig emphasized that the decision reflects Canada’s ambitious net-zero goals and the need for a multi-faceted clean energy approach. “There is no one solution that will address a challenge of this scale and significance,” Craig stated. “To fight climate change and achieve energy security, we must deploy all promising technologies in tandem.”
The initiative is part of a broader collaboration with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), the Crown corporation that oversees CNL-managed sites. AECL President and CEO Fred Dermarkar highlighted the value of connecting commercial and academic partners with Canada’s nuclear science assets. “This new, expanded program could not be possible without the innovative collaboration between the federal government and the private sector,” Dermarkar said.
While CNL will continue to work closely with existing SMR vendors, Dr. Stephen Bushby, CNL’s Vice-President of Science and Technology, noted that advancements in clean energy technologies warranted the program’s expansion. “It only makes sense that we support the development of these technologies and do everything we can to bring them to market,” he added.
Applicants must still proceed through a four-stage selection process, and eligible projects may be located at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratories or Whiteshell Laboratories. Engagement with Indigenous communities remains a key consideration for any project. While the program does not automatically grant access to CNL’s research facilities, the organization is open to exploring collaborative partnerships with developers.
CNL’s expanded program marks a major step in aligning Canada’s nuclear and clean energy sectors with global innovation trends, reinforcing the country’s commitment to net-zero emissions and clean technology leadership.