Following a technical presentation and briefing held February 28, AECL and CNL are hosting a workshop on March 21 to solicit further input from federal family stakeholders regarding marine nuclear propulsion. This information will help inform future project planning.
Naval nuclear propulsion has provided decades of reliable service in a few countries, and now circumstances are inducing more entities to consider nuclear propulsion. The commercial marine shipping industry is examining nuclear propulsion as governments push for fewer emissions. Canadian strategic thinkers are aware the exceptional power and endurance of nuclear-powered icebreakers make them well suited to patrolling in the opening Northwest Passage.
As governments and corporations become interested in nuclear propulsion they will encounter challenges unique to nuclear technology. Nuclear technology is highly regulated, both nationally and internationally, and development requires highly-specialized technical experts.
A questionnaire is included below, and is designed to inform the March 21 discussions. The responses to the questionnaire will give the March 21 attendees inter-agency perspective on goals and concerns, and help policy makers understand the current challenges associated with marine nuclear propulsion. It is anticipated that studies may be proposed after the workshop under the auspices of the AECL-managed Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Work Plan, to further investigate the challenges, benefits, and requirements of government entities.