Clockwise, from left to right: Minister Brian Jean, Minister Rajan Sawhney and Joo Han Gyu, president of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, hold their signed memorandum of understanding on April 18, 2023. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By Justin Goulet with files from The Canadian Press

Alberta’s government signs small modular reactor agreement with Korean institute

Apr 21, 2023 | 3:32 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on small modular reactors.

The three-year deal will explore the viability of deploying small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Alberta. The province noted that SMR technology has the potential to supply non-emitting energy in a variety of industries and applications, including Alberta’s oilsands.

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development, Brian Jean stated, “Alberta is, and always will be, an energy powerhouse. Alberta’s government is committed to actively exploring opportunities to lower emissions while safely powering the world for decades to come.”

Jean added, “This MOU will allow us to build on the South Korean government’s interest in supporting safe and effective deployment of their SMR technology. It offers an opportunity to leverage new innovations to grow Alberta’s energy economy.”

As part of the MOU, the government of Alberta and KAERI will work collaboratively to identify federal and provincial regulatory requirements and existing industrial development programs to support the deployment of SMR technology in the province. KAERI is looking into how it could establish a presence in Alberta to explore the viability of SMR technology, including its proprietary System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor (SMART).

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Joo Han Guy, president of KAERI said, “It is time to translate the net-zero emission commitment into actions, and SMR technology is crucial in carbon reduction actions. A deployment of SMART in Alberta will be the pioneer in the battle against climate change.”

The MOU builds on a recent mission to South Korea in March 2023, in which Brian Jean and Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism Rajan Sawhney met with the Korean government.

READ MORE: Alberta and three other provinces release strategic plan on small modular reactors