UNB Launches Nuclear Lab to Address Energy Demands and Workforce Needs

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) has inaugurated a new nuclear research laboratory aimed at addressing the province’s increasing energy demands and preparing a skilled workforce for the future. According to William Cook, director of UNB’s Centre for Nuclear Energy Research, the province’s need for electricity is projected to double over the coming decades. A comprehensive nuclear engineering degree program at the university could play a critical role in meeting this demand.

The Advanced Nuclear Reactors Laboratory, which began operations in September 2023, has been in development for eight years. Located on the Fredericton campus, the facility is outfitted with advanced equipment that enables graduate students and researchers to study materials in environments that replicate those found in nuclear reactors. Cook emphasized that as new generating assets are built and existing ones maintained, a new generation of workers will be essential.

Nuclear Engineering Program Essential for Future Workforce

Currently, UNB offers approximately eight to ten nuclear engineering courses as part of chemical and mechanical engineering degrees. Cook advocates for a full-fledged nuclear engineering program to train the workforce that will be needed in the coming years. The executive director of the Atlantic Centre for Energy, Michelle Robichaud, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential benefits of a nuclear-focused education that extends beyond the energy sector into fields such as cybersecurity and green manufacturing.

New Brunswick’s nuclear landscape is significant. It is one of only two Canadian provinces, alongside Ontario, that operates nuclear reactors. With the average age of nuclear workers in Canada being around 55, the urgency for training new professionals is apparent. Cook pointed to established relationships with industry leaders, including those at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, as crucial to expanding opportunities for students and researchers.

Government Interest and Industry Challenges

The provincial government has expressed strong interest in nuclear projects, particularly the development of a second power plant at Point Lepreau. Both provincial and federal governments have also invested in local companies, including Moltex and ARC Clean Energy, to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) at the site by 2030. However, challenges have emerged, particularly with Moltex’s U.K. parent company, which has delayed progress on SMR initiatives.

In response to these developments, Premier Susan Holt has indicated that the province aims to leverage the expertise at UNB and other institutions to position itself as a significant player in Canada’s energy landscape. Cook noted that the capabilities of the new lab can support various reactor technologies as part of these nation-building efforts.

While the push for nuclear energy is gaining momentum, it has also drawn criticism. David Coon, leader of New Brunswick’s Green Party, has voiced concerns regarding the province’s commitment to nuclear expansion and the potential conflicts of interest stemming from university partnerships with industry. He advocates for broader exploration of energy solutions without constraints, questioning the appropriateness of the university’s ties to consulting firms.

Cook countered this perspective, asserting that university researchers are often leading experts in their fields, providing valuable insights to both government and industry. He emphasized that the university’s research activities are instrumental in training students and advancing knowledge in nuclear technology.

Another significant challenge facing the nuclear sector is the management of spent nuclear fuel. Cook explained that advanced nuclear reactors have the potential to reduce the time spent fuel needs to be stored by utilizing its energy content. Research conducted at UNB aims to optimize these processes, contributing to more sustainable nuclear energy solutions.

As New Brunswick navigates its energy future, the establishment of a nuclear engineering program, along with the new research laboratory, may prove vital in preparing the province to meet its growing energy needs and ensuring a robust workforce for the industry’s evolving landscape.