Nuclear energy - an important
part of Canada's energy mix
Nuclear Facts
Our Message
Changes at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s (AECL’s) commercial reactor division are threatening to strand valuable organizational and technology assets in the company’s other major division, which mainly conducts research and development. The CNA believes that formation of a panel to conduct a Strategic Review of Nuclear Research and Development in Canada is required to bring clarity to the future of nuclear R&D, and thus to support advances in Canadian productivity and living standards..
Why Canada Needs a Strategic Review Panel
Canada has a network of institutions and experts involved in nuclear R&D. While AECL plays an important role, nuclear research and development also takes place at the National Research Council, nuclear medicine companies and hospitals, several universities, Laval’s Nordion Gamma Centre of Excellence, Vancouver’s TRIUMF subatomic research facility, the Saskatchewan cyclotron, nuclear mining companies and fuel fabricators and other organizations.
Nuclear R&D produces advances across Canada’s economy. Nuclear R&D supports materials testing and product improvements (mainly through nondestructive neutron beam testing, which is essential for advanced parts and materials development). It also supports medical products and services, training and development of scientists and engineers, and other activities that are of value across more than one industry. It also supports Canada’s ability to manage radioactive materials, meet our international non-proliferation commitments, and safely operate our existing fleet of nuclear facilities.
Whatever may be the outcome of AECL’s restructuring, a Strategic Review of Nuclear R&D is required to help this country’s nuclear research network make the transition toward a new governance model.
Read more at: http://www.cna.ca/english/pdf/studies/CNA_R-D_April2011.pdf