Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' Clean Energy Siting Program: Leading the Way in Energy Innovation
Key Ideas
  • CNL expands its SMR siting program to include fusion-based technologies, hydrogen production, battery storage, and clean fuel production facilities.
  • The Clean Energy Siting Program aims to support the Government of Canada in achieving its net-zero objectives and fostering innovative technologies.
  • Collaboration with private sector and academic partners is crucial to leveraging CNL's resources and advancing clean energy solutions.
  • Applicants for clean energy demonstration projects are required to engage meaningfully with Indigenous peoples and go through four stages of evaluation.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in Chalk River, Ontario, has broadened its scope to include a variety of clean energy technologies beyond nuclear. The newly renamed Clean Energy Siting Program now encompasses fusion-based technologies, hydrogen production, battery storage, and clean fuel production facilities. This expansion aims to support Canada's clean energy targets, facilitate innovation, and engage the private sector in deploying promising energy solutions. CNL emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach to address the challenges of climate change and energy security by integrating various clean energy technologies. The program, overseen by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), emphasizes collaboration between the federal government, private sector, and academic partners to leverage CNL's assets and promote the development of Canadian products and services in areas such as carbon-free energy, cancer treatments, non-proliferation technologies, and waste management solutions. Applicants for clean energy projects must navigate through four stages of evaluation, with potential project locations at Chalk River Laboratories or Whiteshell Laboratories. Meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities is highlighted as a key component of successful projects. Although CNL's research facilities are not directly accessible through the program, the organization is open to collaborative discussions to advance individual projects. The renewed program reflects CNL's commitment to driving energy innovation, supporting government objectives, and fostering partnerships within the clean energy sector.
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