Small Modular Reactors in Canada: Eroding Public Oversight and Canada’s Transition to Sustainable Development

Blaise, Kerrie; Stensil, Shawn-Patrick

doi:10.1007/978-94-6265-347-4_11

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 10 publications

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“…As a final note, we urge extreme caution to those attempting to advance small-modular nuclear reactors as a solution to diesel dependence in off-grid communities [41,[66][67][68][69][70][71]. Communities in southeast Labrador are overwhelmingly opposed to this technology, with only eight of 211 respondents expressing any level of support.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“That’s Our Traditional Way as Indigenous Peoples”: Towards a Conceptual Framework for Understanding Community Support of Sustainable Energies in NunatuKavut, Labrador

et al. 2020

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There is a substantial body of literature in North America regarding the social acceptance of renewable energies, particularly wind energy. However, limited research focuses on the experiences of Indigenous Peoples. Furthermore, several researchers have called for a rapid transition to renewable energies in Indigenous off-grid diesel powered communities in Canada, while limited research has considered local support for this transition, which neglects the Indigenous right of free, prior, and informed consent for developments on or which affect their territories. Working in partnership with nine Indigenous off-grid communities in southeast Labrador, we assess community-member perceptions and support of sustainable energies via hybrid interviews/surveys (n = 211) and key informant interviews (n = 11). Applying directed content analysis and participatory methodologies, we find that five primary themes influence Indigenous support for sustainable energies in southeast Labrador: (1) Community familiarity and understanding; (2) association with previous projects; (3) relationships with culture and sustenance; (4) endogeneity of resources; (5) energy security impacts. The themes should be viewed as a framework for understanding community support, not a definitive recipe for reaching consent. Applying these themes, we demonstrate broad community support for conventional renewables (wind, solar), reluctance towards emerging renewables (biomass, tidal, wave) and energy storage (pumped hydro, battery), and wide opposition for hydroelectricity and small modular nuclear. We demonstrate that energy efficiency applications maintain substantially higher support than most supply-side options. Supply-side sustainable energies have the potential to perpetuate the colonial or extractive nature of resource development in Indigenous communities, while energy efficiency applications more directly facilitate energy security and protect energy sovereignty.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“That’s Our Traditional Way as Indigenous Peoples”: Towards a Conceptual Framework for Understanding Community Support of Sustainable Energies in NunatuKavut, Labrador

et al. 2020

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The Evolution of Decommissioning Planning: Tracing the Requirements to Consider Radioactive Wastes and Social Risk of Nuclear Power Plants

Blaise¹,

Stensil²

2021

Nuclear Non-Proliferation in International Law - Volume VI

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The Future of Microreactors: Technological Advantages, Economic Challenges, and Innovative Licensing Solutions with Blockchain

Ekinci,

Guzel,

Acici

et al. 2024

Applied Sciences

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This study details the unique advantages and challenges associated with microreactors. Microreactors offer rapid installation and flexible application capabilities, meeting energy needs in remote and inaccessible areas. Unlike large nuclear power plants, they can be set up and start generating energy within a few days, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Their small size and modular design reduce capital and operational costs while enhancing economic competitiveness. However, some technical and regulatory challenges persist for the widespread adoption of microreactors. Licensing processes designed for large nuclear power plants may delay the widespread adoption of microreactors. Blockchain technology can play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges by providing transparency and reliability in the licensing processes. The operational settings of microreactors should be carefully considered, and regulatory authorities must be effectively designated. Collaboration and coordination are vital in this process. Consequently, the flexibility and innovative solutions offered by microreactors highlight the importance of future research to examine the optimal conditions for their use.

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Small Modular Reactors in Canada: Eroding Public Oversight and Canada’s Transition to Sustainable Development

Cited by 3 publications

References 10 publications

“That’s Our Traditional Way as Indigenous Peoples”: Towards a Conceptual Framework for Understanding Community Support of Sustainable Energies in NunatuKavut, Labrador

“That’s Our Traditional Way as Indigenous Peoples”: Towards a Conceptual Framework for Understanding Community Support of Sustainable Energies in NunatuKavut, Labrador

The Evolution of Decommissioning Planning: Tracing the Requirements to Consider Radioactive Wastes and Social Risk of Nuclear Power Plants

The Future of Microreactors: Technological Advantages, Economic Challenges, and Innovative Licensing Solutions with Blockchain

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