Managing multi-hazard risks hindering smr deployment in the Canadian North

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Small modular reactors (SMRs) are considered a key priority that can meet special needs of Canada, particularly for the North that is rich in natural resources but low in population density. In addition to providing reliable power for remote heavy industry (such as mining and resource extraction) aiding local economic developments, Canada has also recommitted its focus on empowering over 200 remote northern communities as part of its clean energy transition. The Canadian government's SMR Action Plan and the several provincial government's Strategic Plan for the Deployment of Small Modular Reactors highlight how SMRs can provide safe, reliable and zero-emissions energy to power our growing economy and population as well as create new opportunities to export Canadian knowledge and expertise around the world. Owing to their smaller footprint, SMRs can be housed in compact containment structures, operate safely with less shielding, and can be sited on locations not suitable for larger nuclear power plants. These features allow more flexible deployment of SMRs (including remote Canadian North), but also face new challenges and potential knowledge gaps that need to be addressed for the deployment and safe operation of SMRs. This research focuses on three areas with identified knowledge gaps: (1) multi-hazard risk analysis of deeply buried SMRs to develop risk-based resilience-guided maps for SMR deployment; (2) safety of buried SMRs in permafrost regions considering the impact of seasonal temperature variation and climate change; and (3) radionuclide transport monitoring for safe and secure SMR operation and long-term nuclear waste storage. Special attention will be placed on the interaction of SMRs with permafrost, as well as the migration of radionuclide in permafrost, by taking into account the thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling in the systems. The finding and developed tools are crucial to support regulatory decision-making and increase capacity to regulate SMRs, particularly for the deployment of SMRs in Canadian North.