In 2018, CNL moved forward with announcing a staged invitation process for those vendors interested in siting their demonstration unit. The invitation and evaluations are conducted entirely independently of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s licencing processes; all projects are subject to regulatory requirements.
CNL’s invitation process is comprised of four distinct stages. In Stages 1 and 2 (Prequalification and Due Diligence), CNL will evaluate with increased rigour, the technical and business merits of the proposed designs, assess the financial viability of the projects, and review the necessary national security and integrity requirements. Stage 3 includes preliminary, non-exclusive discussions regarding land arrangements, project risk management, and contractual terms. The fourth and final stage, Project Execution, would include construction, testing and commissioning, operation and ultimately decommissioning of the SMR unit.
Current Status:
At present, there are several project proponents engaged in various stages of the invitation process.
It is important to note that all projects are subject to regulatory processes and requirements. The licensing process is entirely independent of CNL’s invitation and evaluation stages. Should a project advance to a licence application, proponents will be required to undertake meaningful project engagement with the public and Indigenous communities. In the meantime, AECL and CNL continue to engage local and Indigenous communities to seek their views and input.
