Research summary
Small modular reactors (SMRs) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by producing the electricity we need without emitting carbon dioxide. Canada is looking at new SMR designs, but there are safety challenges involved, especially linked to corrosion caused by the nuclear fuel they use. There is a need for ways to prevent this corrosion, especially when using new types of fuels or during emergencies. Corrosion concerns also come into play when disposing of old nuclear fuel.
As Canada Research Chair in Small Modular Nuclear Reactor – Safety and Licensing, Dr. Arthur Situm is investigating these challenges. He and his research team are studying the corrosion and hydrogen absorption of accident-tolerant fuel cladding materials, the corrosion migration of steel and nickel alloys in molten salts, and the incorporation of SMR waste streams into Canada’s radioactive waste strategy. Ultimately, they aim to improve the safety and support the licensing of SMR designs.