Canada is set to showcase its expertise and innovative contributions to the global nuclear energy landscape at the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) 2024, to be held from 13-15 November 2024 at the Solaire Resort North, Quezon City, Philippines.
The forum, organized by the Philippines, will bring together leading nuclear energy powerhouses from the United States, Canada, France, South Korea, and Japan to feature presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, with focus on cutting-edge technologies and best practices in the nuclear energy industry.
On the second day of the forum, the Canadian delegation will highlight its comprehensive knowledge of nuclear energy design, financing, and project management, with focus on the "On-time, On-budget" concept.
Prominent representatives from Canadian nuclear energy sector, including CANDU Energy Inc., the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Canada, and the Nuclear Regulating Agency of Canada, will share their expertise and experience in the field. Their presentations will delve into Canada's leadership in areas such as science and technology, nuclear power design and construction, project management, and the development of engineering tools. Todd Smith, who previously served as Ontario's Minister of Energy and is now the Vice-President of CANDU Energy Inc., will also share his insights on the diverse aspects of CANDU technology and its applications.
Canada pioneered the world-renowned Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor technology. The CANDU design is well-regarded for its robust safety features, efficiency, and fuel economy, leveraging natural uranium fuel and heavy water. The country has exported CANDU reactors to several countries and there are 34 CANDU reactors globally, 29 of which are currently operating.
The country's nuclear engineering innovations extend to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which offer advantages such as lower capital costs, faster construction time, and greater flexibility in deployment. Canada is a pioneer in refurbishing existing nuclear reactors and scaling up SMR development.
Canada's leadership in nuclear energy is further demonstrated by its possession of the world's fourth-largest uranium reserve, estimated at 514,000 tonnes. It exports 85 percent of its mined uranium, making it the world's second-largest producer. Mines in Saskatchewan account for over eight percent of global production, which has the highest-grade ore deposits in the world.
The country's commitment to nuclear energy is reflected in its diverse portfolio, which includes 19 large nuclear reactors generating approximately 15.3 percent of the country's electricity. Canada demonstrates an end-to-end understanding of the entire nuclear fuel cycle, encompassing processes from uranium mining and processing to fuel fabrication, waste management, and decommissioning.
"Canada's contributions to the global nuclear energy landscape demonstrate their commitment to both innovation and environmental responsibility. These values align with our vision for a secure, sustainable, and clean energy future, and we ackowledge their willingness to share their expertise and experience with the Philippines," the Department of Energy (DOE) said.
Canada has a long-standing diplomatic relationship with the Philippines, with efforts to enhance cooperation in sustainable development and clean energy transition, particularly through nuclear energy programs. These include the bilateral Administrative Arrangement under the 1981 Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy and the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Trade and Export Development of Saskatchewan and the DOE Philippines. These joint efforts focus on technology transfer and capacity building on reactor technology design, nuclear safety, and waste management.
Industry partners, members of the media, and other interested parties may register through the forum's official website, www.nuclearforumph.com.
The Philippines is aspiring to include the nuclear energy in its power mix with an initial capacity of 1200 MW by 2032. International collaboration will play a vital role in achieving this objective and the PINSCF 2024 will provide an opportunity for local stakeholders to gain valuable insights and explore mutually beneficial partnerships.###