Western teams lead pioneering research in small modular reactors

A microgrid with small modular reactors and renewable energy resources. (Dennis Michaelson/Western Engineering image) As the world grapples with climate change and seeks to transition to a low-carbon future, small modular reactors (SMRs) have emerged as a promising solution to meet the increasing global demand for clean and sustainable energy. Recently, Western signed a significant partnership agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) to advance collaborative research in clean energy, nuclear safety and health and environmental sciences. Western's expertise in nuclear research encompasses various faculties - including Western Engineering - which will contribute to the partnership and will position Western as a key player in shaping nuclear technology and policy in the coming years. Professor Jing Jiang of the department of chemical and mechanical engineering (Western Engineering photo) Western Engineering researchers, through three separate projects. are actively exploring the potential of SMRs. These projects aim to address the challenges associated with traditional nuclear reactors while unlocking new possibilities for safe, efficient and scalable nuclear power generation.