Grant: Alliance Grants

This research aims to develop strategies to minimize and manage radioactive waste produced by small modular reactors that could be deployed in Saskatchewan. A holistic approach to the development of these strategies will be employed, including: advanced modelling of all levels of radioactive waste generated (low, intermediate, and high), design and identification of sites for low level waste facilities (LLW facilities), studies of the behaviour of novel spent nuclear fuel types within Canada's proposed deep geological repository (DGR), and a comprehensive review of the regulatory environment surrounding SMR waste handling and transport. The potential volumes and activities of LLW, intermediate- and high-level waste (ILW and HLW) generated from the deployment of SMRs in Saskatchewan will be modelled based on potential fleet size and distribution. Waste modelling predictions will be used to evaluate the locations and designs of possible waste and disposal facilities for LLW and ILW, with a focus on minimizing environmental impacts. While extensive corrosion testing of conventional uranium oxide fuel under a simulated DGR environment has been conducted, this research will perform similar corrosion testing on the components of the high-temperature resistant SMR fuel of interest to Saskatchewan (i.e., TRi-structural ISOtropic particle (TRISO) fuel). Finally, all research activities will be underpinned by the identification of any regulatory gaps surrounding SMR waste and technologically and economically feasible options that could be employed in Saskatchewan for its management. Particular focus will be paid to transportation requirements and existing Canadian policy regarding the transport of SMRs.