Applying nuclear science and technology to the benefit of Canada. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

Transcription

1 Applying nuclear science and technology to the benefit of Canada Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

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3 For more than 60 years, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) has served the nation as Canada s premier nuclear science and technology (S&T) organization. AECL and its laboratories are a strategic element of Canada s national S&T infrastructure as well as its national innovation system. AECL is also an important enabler for Canada s nuclear industry. As a tier one nuclear nation, Canada is involved in virtually every aspect of the nuclear industry from uranium mining and processing, to the construction and operation of nuclear power plants, to decommissioning and waste management. AECL contributes to Canada s knowledge advantage in these key areas, positioning the Canadian nuclear industry for success domestically and internationally. As outlined in our value proposition, AECL serves an important public policy role in nuclear matters, providing advice, counsel and service as an agent of the federal government. We serve the nation as an enabler of business innovation and technology transfer. And, we foster the development of highly-qualified people for the knowledge economy to come. Looking ahead, AECL is working hard to strengthen its value proposition and improve performance. AECL is committed to a responsible and productive relationship with its Government of Canada and private sector customers. And AECL is evolving to become more private sector-like in how we operate, recognizing the importance of cost containment and value for money in the products and services we deliver our customers. This is a pivotal year in the evolution of this organization. We have found our footing so to speak, having been operating as a standalone science and technology organization for a full year. We have a proven track record of success, we have world calibre strengths in people and facilities on which to build future success, and, we have a plan to bring us there. Dr. Robert Walker, President and CEO Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

4 Vision To be a global partner in nuclear innovation. Strategic Outcome Canadians and the world receive energy, health, environmental and economic benefits from nuclear science and technology, with confidence that nuclear safety and security are assured. Value Proposition Beyond the performance of scientific and technical activities expected from a federal S&T organization, AECL serves Canada as: As an advisor to, and agent of, the Government for public policy purposes. As an enabler of business innovation and technology transfer. As a generator of highly qualified people. (Pictured) A 37-element fuel bundle, modified in the Fuel Development Laboratories for irradiation in the NRU reactor. The integrated nature of the AECL laboratories allows the conception, manufacture, irradiation and specialized post-irradiation examination of new or prototype fuel designs.

5 Today, AECL is relied upon for the provision of unbiased information related to nuclear science and technology, providing advice in support of Government in its various capacities: policy maker, regulator, operator, performer, customer and partner for science and technology in the public good. Further, AECL is an agent of the Government in several matters of public policy, including the provision of medical isotopes, the management and disposition of liabilities associated with legacy and historic wastes resulting from past development of nuclear technology and nuclear energy in Canada and the development of policies, practices and national capabilities to address nuclear safety and security, including strengthening of non-proliferation and counterterrorism regimes. The Fuel Channel Life Management Program generated the data, predictive tools and models, and probabilistic assessment methods to assess the operating life of CANDU reactors. The result of this program have demonstrated that the lifetime of the fuel channels can be safely extended by up to five years or 15 per cent of its designed operating time. CANDU reactors safely and reliably provide over 50 per cent of Ontario s electricity.

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7 AECL s Chalk River Laboratories represent the largest single complex within Canada s science and technology infrastructure. The site contains several licence-listed nuclear facilities, including the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor and many other unique facilities and laboratories.

8 With the capability for knowledge generation, innovation and discovery, AECL supports an extensive network of stakeholders, clients and partners that contribute to and draw benefits from the knowledge and technological innovation delivered by the laboratories and its partners. AECL provides access to a unique environment needed to develop the advanced workforce required for a knowledgebased economy. Generations of Canadians along the nuclear science and technology value chain have benefited from access to the nuclear laboratories. Indeed, an examination of the human capital resident in the Canadian nuclear science and industrial communities reveals that a substantial fraction has had a deep and enduring connection to AECL. As an enabler of business innovation and technology transfer, AECL has had a strong record in the past of positioning the Canadian nuclear industry, including its full value chain, for commercial success domestically and internationally. AECL will continue to engage with the best and brightest innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world, keeping home-grown talent in Canada, and stimulating innovation throughout the nuclear industry and its supply chain.

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10 These seven priorities represent important areas where the AECL serves the nation as an agent for advancing federal priorities. Understand, and address public perceptions of, the effects of radiation: Through science and dialogue with the public, present the facts on the effects of radiation on living things. Enable CANDU technology as a key contributor to Canada s energy portfolio: Work with the entire CANDU ecosystem to improve CANDU s safety, economic performance, and fuel flexibility and ensure CANDU remains an attractive option both domestically and internationally. Understand, prevent and mitigate risks associated with nuclear operations and activities: Ensure that nuclear activities in Canada are carried out safely, and that capability exists to assess, mitigate and respond to nuclear incidents. Advance the knowledge base for informed standards and regulation: Using Canada s unique nuclear facilities and expertise, provide the basis for the development and application of scientifically-based regulations, standards and policies related to nuclear and radiological issues that support and advise national and international organizations and initiatives. Enhance national and global nuclear security: With government and industry as partners, develop detection technologies and response capabilities associated with illicit production, use and transportation of nuclear materials. Secure options for future energy needs and sustainability through nuclear technology: Promote regional development opportunities for nuclear and other energy technologies that are synergistic with nuclear. Develop nuclear technologies and demonstrate their minimal impact on the environment. As part of a larger program, AECL s Tritium Facility is involved in the investigation of the tritium-permeation characteristics of structural materials and barriers. This work has important applications for both fusion and Generation-IV reactors.

11 AECL Program Areas Nuclear Industry Capability - Ensuring the Canadian nuclear sector remains safe and productive with access to S&T resources to address emergent technological challenges. Nuclear Safety and Security - Ensuring Canada s nuclear safety and security through experience, expertise and technology. Federal activities, regulation or policy related to nuclear or radiological issues are supported through the work delivered in this program. Clean, Safe Energy - Developing energy technologies that will make a beneficial impact on Canada s application and use of clean energy. The specific strength of the Model Development Laboratory (MDL) is the design and fabrication of apparatus with mechanically-operated, remote handling capabilities and a high tolerance to radiation environments. The integrated nature of the Chalk River site allows the MDL to provide detailed machining of mechanical test specimens from irradiated components.

12 Health, Isotopes and Radiation - Ensuring Canadians experience health benefits from nuclear science and technology. Nuclear Environmental Stewardship - Ensuring federal nuclear sites are clean and healthy environments. Nuclear Innovation Networks - Ensuring that Canadian science and technology communities advance their innovation agendas through access to federal nuclear innovation infrastructure and expertise. The delivery of these six program areas are supported by two enabling programs which support the infrastructure and business needs of the organization.

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14 Nuclear Industry Capability: As in other countries with a nuclear industry, the presence of a federal nuclear laboratory to address public policy issues of safety as well as complex technological industry challenges helps ensure that Canada has a strong nuclear power sector, employing Canadians in a high-tech industry at the forefront of Canada s greenhouse gas reduction activities. The presence of a fully-capable, federal S&T organization is a key asset for nuclear vendors world-wide. Nuclear Industry Capability is AECL s face to the Canadian nuclear industry. The activities underway in this program ensure a strong connection will continue between AECL and the nuclear industry, thus allowing AECL to be an enabler of business innovation and technology transfer, as embedded in its value proposition. The work underway through this program provides industry access to the AECL experts, facilities and technologies they require to be successful in the marketplace and to seize domestic and global opportunities. This program is comprised of the following sub-activities: Candu Energy & Other Industry Support CANDU Owners Group Support Technology Development for the CANDU Industry Heavy Water Management Bringing great ideas to market. Though this program, AECL introduced 12 new technologies that are available for commercialization by the private sector through the Organization of CANDU Industries (OCI).

15 Nuclear Safety & Security: As the centre of federal expertise on nuclear and radiological issues, AECL maintains the safety and security of several federal nuclear sites, develops technology that is used to assure Canada s nuclear safety and security, provides nuclear crisis/emergency response operational and advisory capabilities and provides advice to other government departments and international nuclear bodies. This program provides fire, security, radiation safety and nuclear material transportation services to ensure the safety and security of AECL s licensed sites across Canada and to respond to crises domestically and internationally. It also develops technologies to lead and assist international efforts in non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and materials, and provides the technical basis for the safe operation of nuclear facilities and reactors in Canada, including tools to support regulatory risk assessment and emergency response. In response to events at Fukushima, this Program has reallocated resources to improve understanding of, and response to, severe accidents. AECL also develops expertise used to represent Canada in international fora on nuclear safety and radiological issues, and to advise and support the private and public sector on topics ranging from safe regulation of facilities, to methods for detection of nuclear materials. This program is comprised of the following sub-activities: Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Counterterrorism Nuclear Response Nuclear Materials Handling Nuclear Safety Technology AECL is a member of Canada s Cytogenetic Emergency Network helping provide Canadians with rapid biological dosimetry capabilities in the event of a nuclear emergency or event.

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17 Clean, Safe Energy: This program builds upon existing investments in nuclear energy technologies required to ensure that nuclear-related energy systems are safe. This is achieved 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 (non-proliferation) nuclear fuel cycles; for the application of hydrogen technologies to energy production and industrial applications; and to ensure that Canadians stay abreast of, and benefit from, developments in fusion energy and small reactor technologies. AECL, with its collaborators, develops, assesses and facilitates the 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 program includes : Generation IV Technologies Tritium and Fusion Technologies Hydrogen Technologies Sustainable Energy Technologies Materials Science and Chemistry Small Reactors Work in this program ensures the sustained operation of Canada s fleet of university-based small reactors, and advances small reactor technology as an alternative source of power for remote communities that is cleaner and more cost-effective than diesel.

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19 Health, Isotopes & Radiation: Nuclear medicine was pioneered by AECL in the mid-20th century and now reaches across the healthcare system in many forms. As a relatively young area of nuclear S&T, there is significant opportunity for new innovation to improve the quality of life for Canadians. AECL has the unique capabilities in both technical expertise and specialized facilities that can support this. This body of work provides a reliable supply of medical isotopes to Canada and the international community for diagnostic applications and cancer treatments. It also focuses on increasing knowledge on the effects of radiation to humans, which includes the evolving techniques and expertise required for ensuring a safe work environment for workers at nuclear installations. These same services are available to be used more broadly in the event of a nuclear emergency domestically or internationally. The studies of the effects of radiation on human health, which are conducted in collaboration with universities and other research institutions, are required to inform regulation on the safe levels of radiation exposure. In partnership with Health Canada, AECL developed methods to reduce the time required for the analysis, identification and treatment for exposure to select radionuclides. This has an important impact in helping to ensure the health of Canadians.

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21 Nuclear Environmental Stewardship: AECL is delivering clean, safe environments for Canadians, to secure the social licence for the continued utilization of nuclear energy, the nuclear sector and the federal government must demonstrate responsible environmental stewardship. AECL is advancing its waste and decommissioning effort for effective and efficient elimination of nuclear liabilities. This body of work addresses the Government s commitment to a clean and healthy environment for Canadians by: ensuring Canada s federal nuclear sites, including legacy and historic sites, are clean and healthy environments, demonstrating the responsible deployment of nuclear S&T; managing environmental risks, demonstrating sound environmental stewardship; and providing technologies, expertise and facilities in support of the safe storage and longterm management of radioactive waste in Canada. This includes a number of environmentally-focused programs that AECL implements on behalf of Natural Resources Canada under its Radioactive Waste Management Program. This program is comprised of the following sub-activities: Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Whiteshell Decommissioning Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) Historic Wastes Environmental Technologies Nuclear Waste Services Environmental Management Projects such as the construction of the Fuel Packaging & Storage facility will play an essential role in environmental remediation, but also involve the development of new, complex technology. As the supply chain meets the needs of the project, the participating suppliers are driven to become more innovative.

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23 Nuclear Innovation Networks: AECL maintains a suite of critical national science facilities that support the diverse innovation needs of Canada s nuclear and radiation S&T community, which comprises industries, universities, research hospitals, and government laboratories including AECL sites. By connecting AECL s capabilities with members of this community, it enables them to pursue a spectrum of scientific goals, including clean energy, cancer research and nuclear security. It also provides a mechanism for increasing the return on investments that have been made in the scientific facilities, programs and personnel at AECL, and a mechanism to enable AECL to access alternative funding streams, thereby leading to a reduced requirement for direct federal funding for AECL projects. Each year, AECL s Canadian Neutron Beam Centre welcomes more than 200 scientists, engineers and students to participate in research using the facility s six neutron beam lines housed within AECL s NRU reactor in Chalk River.

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25 Centres of Excellence AECL s portfolio of capabilities is expressed through ten Centres of Excellence. They reflect areas where AECL has a unique and strategic strength that can be applied for the benefit of Canada. They complement AECL s Programs and are a key component of AECL s competitive advantage. These are aspirational in nature and will anticipate the needs of Government, industry, learning institutions and the public as a whole. In addition to developing its internal capabilities (people, tools and technologies), AECL will actively engage with its supply chain and partners to help sustain these capabilities. 1. Nuclear and radioactive material management 2. Irradiation and post-irradiation services 3. Nuclear safety, security, and risk management 4. Radiation biology, radioecology and dosimetry 5. Material physics, chemistry and applications 6. Advanced nuclear fuels and fuel cycles 7. Systems engineering 8. Advanced computing, modelling and simulation 9. Hydrogen and hydrogen isotopes management 10. Environmental remediation and nuclear waste management

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28 Developing the workforce of the future As an important outcome, Canada s next generation of world-class nuclear scientists, engineers, operators and entrepreneurs are being trained. AECL supports the development of highly qualified people for the public sector, private sector and academia strengthening Canada s workforce and preparing for the knowledge economy of the future. With over 3,000 employees working in laboratory or project sites across the country, AECL s strength lies in its people. These individuals develop valuable skills, experience and abilities in a wide range of disciplines. Far beyond simply meeting the needs of the nuclear sector, the skills, training and educational opportunities supported by AECL further strengthen Canada s workforce and competitive edge. Life sciences Engineering Environmental science Materials science Instrumentation Decommissioning Thermalhydraulics Nuclear science Mechanical design Chemistry Metallurgy Computer modeling Physics Nuclear safety Skilled trades Security and Emergency Services Public Relations Finance and Business Services AECL s Awards of Excellence recognize the dedication of our employees to bringing the benefits of nuclear science and technology the world. Their accomplishments clearly show the spirit of innovation and pride that sets AECL apart.

29 Ensuring clean healthy environments for Canadians AECL executes the Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program (NLLP) that is designed to safely and cost-effectively reduce legacy liabilities and associated risks at AECL sites based on sound waste management and environmental principles, in the best interests of Canadians. AECL is safely and cost-effectively delivering the NLLP-funded program to fully decommission AECL s Whiteshell Laboratories (WL) located in Pinawa, Manitoba, including decommissioning of the Underground Research Laboratory (URL). The largest environmental project of this nature ever undertaken in Canada, AECL is delivering the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) to clean up historic low-level radioactive waste situated in the municipalities of Port Hope and Clarington arising from the historic operations of the former Crown Corporation Eldorado Nuclear Limited, and its private sector predecessors. AECL also operates the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Office (LLRWMO) to address and manage historic low-level waste at sites in Canada. The official launch of the first major construction contract for Phase 2 of the Port Hope Project took place November 30 at the site of the Port Hope Area Initiative s new $22 million waste water treatment plant. The awarding of the water treatment plant contract is an important step forward in the cleanup and safe long-term management of historic low-level radioactive waste in Port Hope.

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31 Safety through innovation Protection of the core, and the safe operation of the nuclear facilities remains a priority for AECL. The earthquake and tsunami that affected the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in March 2011 highlighted the need for all nuclear facilities to assess their capability to withstand and respond to credible external events, such as earthquakes, and, where necessary, to make improvements to their facilities and their emergency response capability. AECL has conducted such assessments, and has implemented projects to address Beyond Design Basis events for the NRU reactor and the Chalk River site. AECL has also begun to strengthen the documentation for Severe Accident Management and to improve Emergency Response capabilities for such events.

32 Applying nuclear science for the security of all Canadians AECL radiation protection staff participated in the final trial of a research project led by the Centre for Security Science, part of Defence Research & Development Canada (DRDC). The project involved the controlled explosion of a simulated bomb - a radiological dispersion device - at DRDC s Suffield research centre in Alberta. During the trial, scientific information was collected that will help researchers better understand radiological dispersion devices and their impact, contributing to enhanced nuclear security in Canada and around the world. The trial is an example of the ongoing cooperation between various participating government and private sector organizations from Canada, the United States and Great Britain working towards a common goal to enhance the prevention of and respons to potential nuclear safety events.

33 Expertise in advanced fuels applied to a global partnership AECL and the United States Department of Energy s National Nuclear Security Administration signed an agreement to work together to convert the Jamaican SLOWPOKE research reactor core from highlyenriched uranium (HEU) to low-enriched uranium (LEU). Early reactor technology used HEU fuel as it was more difficult to achieve comparable power levels using LEU. Modern reactor designs, however, use LEU fuels that are more efficient while maintaining comparable power levels. This makes conversion an attractive option and reduces the usage of HEU nuclear material. The project is part of the U.S.-Canada Security and Prosperity Partnership and the Global Threat Reduction Initiative.

34 Supporting the industry. Strengthening the economy AECL finalized an agreement with key industry partners to manufacture ADAM probes, an inspection tool that makes use of AECL eddy current technology to measure material build-up inside steam generator tubing in nuclear power reactors. As part of the agreement, AECL will subcontract the work and transfer the technical competence to a company that will manufacture the probes, which will be sold and utilized for steam generator inspections. Through this technology transfer, Canadian industry will retain the capability to manufacture these probes directly for commercial customers in the future.

35 Making nuclear science more accessible A journal publication dedicated to nuclear science, the AECL Nuclear Review showcases innovative and important nuclear science and technology that is aligned with AECL s core programs. The journal welcomes original articles and technical notes in a variety of subject areas: CANDU (R) nuclear industry; nuclear safeguards and security; clean safe energy including Generation IV technology, hydrogen technology, small reactors, fusion, sustainable energy and advanced materials; health, isotopes and radiation; and environmental sciences. The accepted peer-reviewed articles are expected to span different disciplines such as engineering, chemistry, physics, and biology. Download the latest issue at AECL s Fission Products Behaviour Laboratory (FPBL) is one of four groups around the world that are capable of studying fission-product release from irradiated fuel samples. These experiments provide crucial data for understanding fuel behaviour under accident conditions.

36 Atomic Energy of Canada Limited 1 Plant Road Chalk River, Ontario K0J 1J0