Clean, Safe Energy

Expected Result: The development of energy technologies that make a beneficial impact on Canada's use of clean energy.

AECL with its collaborators, develops, assesses and facilitates commercialization of innovative technologies to allow for increased energy generation, enhanced safety and efficiencies, and reduced greenhouse gas creation and dependence on fossil fuels.

This PA builds upon existing investments in nuclear energy technologies required to ensure that nuclear-related energy systems are safe, by developing the systems, materials and infrastructures required: for the next generation of nuclear reactors (Generation IV); for Canada to be a key partner in the development of closed cycle (nonproliferation) nuclear fuel cycles; for the application of hydrogen technologies to energy production and industrial applications; and for ensuring that Canadians stay abreast of, and benefit from, developments in fusion energy and small reactor technologies. It is comprised of six sub-activities, described below:

• Generation IV Technologies supports and delivers Canada's commitment to the Generation IV International Forum, with the goal of developing the design concept for a pressure tube supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR), a more efficient design than current Generation II and III reactors.
• Tritium and Fusion Technologies maintains Canada's credibility, presence and expertise in management and applications of tritium technology, including its application by the international fusion community. AECL's tritium technology, developed for safe management of tritium in nuclear fission plants, ensures Canada is well-positioned to apply this capability to other industrial applications.
• The Hydrogen Technologies utilizes AECL's expertise in heavy water and hydrogen technology, and its expertise in its patented wet-proofed catalyst technology for applications to electrolysis (electrolytic cells) and fuel cells; and provides the foundation for production and applications of hydrogen as an energy source, and as an industrial feedstock.
• Sustainable Energy Technologies focuses on advanced inspection technologies to ensure safe operation of nuclear energy systems, and on development of advanced nuclear fuels and fuel cycles for improved resource utilization, performance and proliferation resistance.
• Materials Science and Chemistry develops innovative applications of nuclear materials and chemistry technologies for industrial applications, and supports the development and operation of advanced energy systems through the application of advanced materials and chemistry required to retain structural integrity at high temperatures and over long operation times.