Canada should assess the long-term contribution that its existing Candu nuclear fleet and nuclear new builds – in particular small modular reactors – could play to meet net zero climate goals for 2050 while also ensuring that ensure that policy reforms are in place to allow for the licensing and construction of the first SMR demonstration projects in the late 2020s, the International Energy Agency said.

In a report on Canada’s energy policies, the Paris-based agency said Canada needs to build on the momentum of the its SMR roadmap, published in 2020, and a 2018 action plan, and offer federal support for SMR projects under discussion at the provincial level. A provincial memorandum of understanding to advance SMRs has been signed by Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan.