UNB Opens Advanced Nuclear Lab to Address Energy Workforce Needs

A new laboratory at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) aims to address the province’s growing energy demands by training the next generation of nuclear engineers. The Advanced Nuclear Reactors Laboratory, which began operations recently, is designed to support research essential for the development of nuclear energy solutions, according to William Cook, director of UNB’s Centre for Nuclear Energy Research.

The demand for electricity in New Brunswick is projected to double in the coming decades, creating a pressing need for new workers in the nuclear sector. Cook emphasized, “When we start building new generating assets, and trying to keep the current-generation capacity that we have operating, we need new workers to come in.” The establishment of a full nuclear engineering degree program at UNB is seen as a critical step in meeting this requirement.

Laboratory’s Role in Nuclear Research

The Advanced Nuclear Reactors Laboratory, a project eight years in the making, is equipped with advanced tools for graduate students and researchers. These resources allow them to study how materials behave in environments similar to those found in nuclear reactors. Cook highlighted the laboratory’s objective: to understand degradation mechanisms, particularly corrosion, that could lead to reactor failures over time.

In recent years, the rise of small modular reactors has heightened the focus on nuclear energy. Cook stated, “We’ve been gearing up our activities to support [them] and the advanced reactor sector.” The lab will play a vital role in supporting the development of Generation IV reactor systems, which are expected to be more efficient and safer.

Currently, UNB offers around eight to ten nuclear engineering courses as part of its chemical and mechanical engineering programs. Cook advocates for a comprehensive nuclear engineering program to ensure that the province can meet its future energy workforce needs.

Government and Industry Support

The Atlantic Centre for Energy, led by executive director Michelle Robichaud, is in favor of expanding the nuclear program. She notes that a focus on nuclear energy could have positive implications for other sectors, including cybersecurity and green manufacturing.

New Brunswick is one of only two Canadian provinces, alongside Ontario, to operate nuclear reactors. The average age of nuclear workers in Canada is currently 55, underscoring the urgent need for new talent. Cook pointed out that the university has established strong partnerships with industry players, such as those at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station. He believes that these connections position UNB well to expand its opportunities in the nuclear sector.

The provincial government has shown significant interest in nuclear energy projects, including the potential for a second power plant at Point Lepreau. Both provincial and federal governments have also invested in local firms to develop small modular reactors by 2030. However, challenges have arisen for companies like Moltex Energy Canada and ARC Clean Energy, raising concerns about meeting this timeline.

Cook stated, “The capabilities now that we have with the new and existing labs allow us to support all sorts of different reactor technologies.” This aligns with New Brunswick’s pitch to become a significant contributor to Canada’s energy landscape, as highlighted in plans for the Eastern Energy Partnership.

While the push for nuclear expansion gains momentum, it has not been without criticism. David Coon, the leader of the province’s Green Party, has voiced concerns regarding the focus on nuclear energy and the university’s ties to industry. He advocates for a broader exploration of various energy sources without constraints.

In response, Cook emphasized the importance of expertise in the field. “University professors are typically world-leading experts in their fields. Our research activities provide extensive training for students and leverage our expertise to consult with industry,” he said.

Another significant aspect of nuclear energy is the management of spent nuclear fuel. Cook noted that advanced nuclear reactors have the potential to reduce the storage timeline for spent fuel by utilizing its energy content. Research at UNB aims to optimize methods to harness this energy, potentially addressing a critical concern in nuclear energy management.

As New Brunswick navigates its energy future, the establishment of the Advanced Nuclear Reactors Laboratory at UNB represents a vital step in preparing for a more sustainable and energy-secure tomorrow.