Development of Zero-Emission Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology
Dr. Arthur Situm, BSc., MSc., PhD.
Assistant Professor, Tier 2 CRC SMR Safety and Licensing
Energy Systems Engineering
E-mail: Arthur.Situm@uregina.ca
When: June 20, 2025
Time: 12:00– 1:15 pm
Education 314
Abstract: Advancing the development of zero-emission small modular reactor (SMR) technology has been identified as a key goal of the Saskatchewan Growth Plan. In the coming years, Saskatchewan will embark on an aggressive plan to fully realize the potential of SMRs for the province: train and retain a nuclear ready workforce, build up a nuclear qualified local supply chain, and develop capabilities to support reactor licensing and operations. The use of test loops is integral at all stages of nuclear reactor design, development, licensing, training, and operation; therefore, most jurisdictions with nuclear power generation also invest in the development of test loop facilities. The University of Regina is working to develop the Small Modular Reactor – Safety Licensing and Training Centre (SMR-SLT Centre) to provide Saskatchewan with the needed capacity to meet its goal, positioning the province as a global player in water-cooled SMR development. Prof Situm will present an overview of the SMR-SLT Centre, including how the facility fits into the larger province-wide Global Institute for Energy, Mines and Society (GIEMS).
Bio: As the Canada Research Chair in SMR Safety and Licensing, Prof. Situm's group will investigate challenges surrounding the corrosion or corrosiveness of nuclear fuel proposed for use in various SMR designs in order to improve the safety and support the licensing of these SMR designs. The following are the current set of research focuses:
- The study of the corrosion and hydrogen absorption of accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding materials
- Corrosion mitigation of steel and nickel alloys in molten salts to be used in molten salt reactors (MSRs)
- Incorporation of SMR waste streams into Canada's radioactive waste strategy