In the rapidly evolving landscape of energy production and sustainability, numerous industries, including mining, oil and gas, and advanced technology/data, stand at a pivotal juncture. Data centers are power-strapped, and with increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, improve operational efficiency, provide large amounts of reliable power, and ensure social and environmental responsibility, businesses seek innovative solutions to tackle these challenges head-on.

One solution gaining traction is the integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into operations to generate energy in the form of electricity and heat. Nuclear energy is a piece of the clean energy puzzle to becoming carbon-neutral. 

The USA, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, Great Britain, France, and several other European and Asian countries have regulatory policies supporting SMRs as part of the future energy mix. There are clear signals from organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the European Union (EU) that nuclear power has a significant role to play in the fight against climate change.

With a long history of delivering some of the world’s most complex infrastructure projects, WSP has emerged as a leader in supporting the entire lifecycle of nuclear energy on a global stage.

The drive to decarbonize has become a primary objective for industries worldwide. Relying on traditional fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and exposes these industrial operations to the volatility of energy markets and geopolitical risks. SMRs offer a promising alternative by providing a reliable, low-carbon energy source.
 

Versatility of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

SMRs are small-scale, factory-made nuclear reactors with modular or standardized designs for an electrical output between 5MW and 300MW. Due to their size and flexibility, components are produced in factories, significantly lowering costs, improving manufacturing quality and consistency, streamlining the permit process, and reducing investment risks. The modules are transported to the final installation site resulting in construction time measured in months rather than years. As SMRs are uniquely scalable, they are well-suited for remote sites with limited access to conventional power infrastructure.

By incorporating SMRs into their energy mix, mining, oil and gas, technology, and manufacturing companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while enhancing energy security and reliability. In addition to electric output, the heat output is of significant value for industrial applications.  The modular design of SMRs allows for flexible and phased deployment, enabling companies to scale their energy infrastructure according to operational needs, resource availability, and capital available for development. 

The versatility of SMRs enables their application not only as a replacement for conventional nuclear but also as a viable alternative to fossil fuels to ensure energy security. In remote communities, there are often no alternatives to using fossil fuel solutions for energy production, usually in the form of diesel generators. This is a costly, CO2-heavy way to produce energy, requiring frequent fuel transport.

For example, more than 200 remote northern communities in Canada rely on diesel generators to supply their electricity and heat throughout the year, with fuel deliveries only being possible during the summer months. Deploying SMRs in such locations would enable the delivery of clean, reliable power year-round without damaging the fragile local ecosystem or exacerbating global warming.

While the potential benefits of SMRs in decarbonizing industry are evident, addressing concerns regarding safety, environmental impact, and public perception is crucial for widespread adoption.