Join the SMR Canada 101 Webinar for a concise overview of nuclear energy and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Learn how reactors work, Canada’s nuclear history, and the global impact of CANDU technology. Dive into the latest SMR advancements, siting projects, and applications for grids, industries, and off-grid solutions in Western Canada. Gain insights into regulations, the nuclear fuel cycle, and strategies for public and Indigenous engagement. Perfect for anyone looking to understand the future of nuclear energy in Canada. Don’t miss this informative session!
8:30 am - 12:00 pm MST
REGISTRATION PACKAGES
SMR Nuclear Canada 101 Webinar
EARLY BIRD - SMR Total Package
(SMR 101 Webinar and Full Summit Pass)
REGULAR - SMR Total Package
(SMR 101 Webinar and Full Summit Pass)
$120.00
(until January 23, 2026) $1,420.00
(January 23 - February 11, 2026) $1,725.00
8:30 am - start time
Nuclear background
- What is a nuclear reactor/how it works
- Background on early nuclear development
- Different reactor types (Light water/heavy water/gas & graphite)
History of Nuclear in Canada
- Early days – Chalk River
- CANDU 6 – Pt Lepreau / G2 / Romania / Korea / China / Argentina
- Supply Chain
- Life extension (Refurbishment/MCR)
- Plans for new large nuclear in Ontario
SMRs
- SMR Roadmap / Industry groups / Inter-Provincial MOU
- Technologies
- High level walk through of various technologies
- Ongoing SMR siting projects (DNNP/GFP/ARC-100)
Applications in Western Canada
- Grid, industrial, off grid micro reactors
Regulatory
- Overview of CNSC
- IAA
- Other federal acts – Fisheries, SARA
- Provincial responsibilities
Fuel Cycle
- Mining, processing
- Enriching, fuel fabrication
- Waste management
Social Acceptance
- Indigenous engagement
- public consultation
- Polling
Conclusion
President,
PD Thompson Nuclear Support Services Inc.
Paul is the senior strategic advisor on the NB Power Advanced SMR team and previously held positions of Deputy Chief Nuclear Officer for NB Power, NB Power member of the COG board of directors, member of the Centre for Nuclear Energy Research advisory board, alternate station director and the chairman of the CANDU 6 Steering Committee.
Paul is an active supporter of the Canadian Nuclear Society. He was President of the Society in 2015/2016, a role he also previously held in 1998/1999. Paul is a fellow of the Canadian Nuclear Society and received the CNS/CNA Harold A Smith Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2020.
Steve Coupland is an independent consultant focused on helping non-emitting technologies navigate the complex relationships between government, industry and Canada's regulatory processes needed to bring projects to completion. Previously Steve spent over 20 years with Bruce Power as a Senior Advisor for Regulatory Affairs and the company's point person in Ottawa. In addition, some of his time was seconded to the Canadian Nuclear Association, where he served as the Director for Regulatory and Environmental Affairs where he was the lead spokesman for the nuclear industry on climate change initiatives, impact assessment and matters relating to the Canadian Nuclear Association. Prior to joining the nuclear industry, Steve spent 15 years as a political staffer including roles as a Director in the Prime Minister's Office, Senior Advisor in Finance and Industry Science and Technology in addition to being Director of Organization and Director of Tour for a national political party.
Included in your registration fees.
Workshop 1: Beyond Electricity – Expanding Nuclear Applications Through Heat Integration
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
hosted by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
This session provides a comprehensive introduction to nuclear beyond-electricity applications and explores the technical aspects of heat integration. The first half of the session will cover the technical and economic benefits of producing non-electric products with nuclear energy and describe how nuclear power can be integrated with industries such as petrochemicals and mining. The second half of the session will explore conceptual designs for heat extraction and delivery, along with safety, performance, and siting considerations.
Based in Palo Alto, California, EPRI is an American independent, nonprofit organization that conducts research and development related to the generation, delivery, and use of electricity to help address challenges in the energy industry, including reliability, efficiency, affordability, health, safety, and the environment.
Workshop 2: Nuclear Integration with Data Centers – Powering the Digital Future
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
hosted by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
EPRI presents this next Workshop covers the demand outlook and key considerations for nuclear-data center colocation.
Presentations will address AI-driven load variability and power quality challenges, behind-the-meter electrical integration, and nuclear-integrated cooling concepts. The session will also examine thermal energy storage systems combined with data centers and nuclear plants, and conclude with a research outlook and open discussion on nuclear-data center integration.
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