A case study on introducing small modular reactors into a new non-nuclear jurisdiction

A multidisciplinary study is undergoing to develop technical capacity and understand the geographical, geological, environmental, regulatory, and legal aspects of siting a small modular reactor in the Province of Saskatchewan; a non-nuclear-power jurisdiction. The ultimate goal is to produce a series of maps for the best locations for each of the considered factors, and in the process train a number of highly-qualified personnel and develop expertise that could be used to assess nuclear and other technologically complex industrial projects in any jurisdiction. This paper presents the scope of the study and identifies some of the opportunities and challenges, with focus on meeting Canadian and international regulations for siting a nuclear reactor.