COG, UNENE and ANRC working together to advance international nuclear energy cooperation
Toronto, Ontario – CANDU Owners Group (COG), the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) and the Advanced Nuclear Research Centre (ANRC) at the University of Strathclyde have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate on nuclear engineering, science and technology initiatives in the areas of research and development, education and training, knowledge management, and nuclear operations support.
There is a growing appetite for nuclear energy to help jurisdictions in Canada and around the world power their economies while meeting energy security and climate change goals. Increased collaboration and coordination are essential to help the industry integrate new technologies while continuously improving performance and extending the life of the operating fleet.
The organisations share common objectives in supporting achievement of international net zero goals and their respective capabilities will enable new synergies and collaborative research and development opportunities.
The MOU, with a five year renewable term, will enable the organisations to explore numerous opportunities for collaboration on the development and application of new technologies for asset and lifecycle management, in technical areas such as industrial informatics and artificial intelligence. Under the framework, the parties will develop joint research activities and workshops and exchange views on a range of technical subjects.
The three organisations have participated in a series of discussions to explore possible areas of future research collaboration on reactor sustainability issues. The initial meeting took place in May, 2023 at the COG Collaboration Week in Niagara Falls Canada and regular meetings have continued since. Discussions have revealed that there is significant common ground to pursue further collaboration opportunities. This MOU will enable and foster that process.
All three parties emphasised the value of working together to achieve common objectives.
Rachna Clavero, COG President and CEO, said: “Accelerating innovation by fostering collaboration is what we do at COG. We are always seeking new opportunities to create value for our members, and this agreement supports advancement of industry-led projects while expanding our international network of expertise.”
“UNENE sees great opportunity for each partner in this agreement,” said Jerry Hopwood, President of UNENE, “we have very strong common interests and objectives, and a history of successful collaboration. Working together will bring tremendous scope for synergy and innovation, bringing UNENE universities together with industrial and academic partners.”
Professor Daryl Landeg, Executive Director, ANRC, said: “International collaboration is key to building the capability and capacity to deliver the ambitious growth in nuclear energy that is essential to our energy security and net zero imperatives. Canada and the UK are also uniquely well placed to play a leading role globally in the safe and secure exploitation of nuclear energy. This agreement will enable us to build lasting productive partnerships aligned with our shared goals to advance nuclear energy.”
For more information contact:
Janice Carson
Communications Lead
University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering
communications@unene.ca
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