The Memorandum of Understanding leverages the Xe-100 SMR to increase Indigenous access and inclusion in the wider Canadian nuclear industry
X-energy Canada and First Nations Power Authority Collaborate to Build Indigenous Capacity for Future Advanced Small Modular Reactor Industry
The Memorandum of Understanding leverages the Xe-100 SMR to increase Indigenous access and inclusion in the wider Canadian nuclear industry
“We’re honoured to collaborate with FNPA to help Indigenous businesses and communities to access the emerging advanced reactor industry and to play an active role in its success.”
Katherine Moshonas Cole, President, X-energy Canada
X-energy Canada and First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to build Indigenous capacity for the future advanced small modular reactor (SMR) industry. Potential collaborative activities include the development of skills training, employment and commercial opportunities that could spur multi-generational Indigenous economic wealth.
“I cannot overstate the importance we place on including Indigenous Peoples and businesses in our efforts here, in Canada,” said Katherine Moshonas Cole, President, X-energy Canada. “Our Xe-100 SMR generates more than just clean electricity – it generates significant economic opportunities for Canadians. Combined with our proposed fuel fabrication facility, our technology will also be catalyst for numerous ancillary economic benefits. We’re honoured to collaborate with FNPA to help Indigenous businesses and communities to access the emerging advanced reactor industry and to play an active role in its success.”
FNPA is the leading voice for First Nations-led projects and businesses within Canada’s energy sector. Through unique partnerships, the non-profit organization creates business and investment opportunities for its membership by bridging the gap between industry, government, and Indigenous communities to increase long-term economic benefits for First Nation communities.
“As the original climatologists from Turtle Island, First Nations can see the lasting benefits that SMRs can make in striving for a net-zero energy future.”
Guy Lonechild, CEO, First Nations Power Authority
The MOU references the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action 92, which emphasizes the need for meaningful consultation, respectful relationships, and equitable access to jobs, training and education opportunities. In keeping with this call to action, X-energy Canada and FNPA will also explore ways to increase Indigenous cultural awareness within the wider Canadian nuclear industry.
“FNPA is committed to ensuring there is an Indigenous voice in the development considerations and eventual deployment of SMR technologies. We want to acknowledge the tremendous thought and consideration that Katherine and her team have made to ensure ongoing, often and meaningful engagement of our FNPA General Members,” said Guy Lonechild, CEO of FNPA. “As the original climatologists from Turtle Island, First Nations can see the lasting benefits that SMRs can make in striving for a net-zero energy future.”
An economic benefits analysis conducted by Hatch, estimates that an Xe-100 power plant in Canada could generate $1.2 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and more than 3,800 total full-time equivalent jobs, over its lifetime. It could also generate $340 million in tax revenue. On a national scale, X-energy’s technology could generate $3 billion in GDP and 4,500 total full-time equivalent jobs for Canadians.
The Xe-100, developed by X-energy, LLC, is a Generation IV advanced reactor technology built on more than six decades of High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) operation, research, and development. Designed to operate as single units of 80 MWe or as a four-unit plant delivering 320 MWe, the Xe-100 SMR can provide clean, reliable and safe baseload power to a provincial electricity system on a small footprint and with minimal water use.
Beyond power generation, the SMR produces 200 MWt of 565°C steam, an ideal temperature for the decarbonization of heavy industry, such as mining and petrochemical. The technology also supports co-generation, the production of hydrogen, as well as food production in harsh climates.
Dollars quoted in CAD.
Additional Links
X-energy’s commitments to Canada’s SMR Action Plan
The Future is Now – X-energy Canada Video
About X-energy
X-energy is redefining nuclear energy. We manufacture fuel that seals uranium particles in a protective coating, which makes meltdown impossible and retains the uranium fuel inside. We also design plants that unlock the fuel's energy potential in a process that's as clean as wind or solar. When combined, the result is reliable carbon-free baseload power; produced safely, more affordable than ever before and available anywhere, at any time.
X-energy Canada drives the deployment of the Xe-100 small modular reactor (SMR) design by developing partnerships with communities, industry, academia, and society. Our Generation IV technology is the catalyst for the world’s clean energy future, generating significant social, economic and environmental benefits for all Canadians.
Learn more at x-energy.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About First Nations Power Authority
First Nations Power Authority is Canada’s only not-for-profit lower cost provider of Indigenous-led power procurement process. Our dedicated and experienced professionals bring over 100 years of power sector experience in utilities, renewable energy and carbon neutral technologies.
First Nations Power Authority has over 165 General and Industry Members in six different provinces in Canada that are focused on developing wind, solar, biomass, hydrogen, hydro, transmission, flare gas, waste heat recovery, and small modular reactor technologies.
Media contact:
X-energy Canada
Monifa Miller
Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
canada@x-energy.com
First Nations Power Authority
Guy Lonechild
Chief Executive Officer
Info@fnpa.ca