OPG Nuclear Meeting our Commitment to Safe Reliable Operations The Role of University Research in Canada’s Nuclear Power Development Paul Spekkens Ontario Power Generation IAPWS Workshop, May 11-12, 2009

IAPWS Workshop, May 11-12,  The nuclear power industry is at an exciting point in Canada Large fleet of operating reactors Multiple units being refurbished Commitment for new nuclear units

IAPWS Workshop, May 11-12, Key Challenges  Maintaining safety and performance  Developing publicly acceptable nuclear waste solutions  Sound public policy and regulations  Qualified people

IAPWS Workshop, May 11-12, OPG Support of University Research  >$1M/y  Mainly through UNENE  Three drivers that we track to determine effectiveness 1.Value of the technology and knowledge created by R&D 2.Access to knowledgeable, credible specialized technical experts 3.Creation of “highly qualified personnel”

IAPWS Workshop, May 11-12, Knowledge and Technology  Chairs sponsored in areas where OPG has a long term interest in the underlying technology UNENE Chairs Other Chairs  Non-chair projects (CRDs, direct commercial work, capital support at UOIT) Nuclear projects Environmental projects  Metric: fraction of projects that are applied in supporting our nuclear fleet

IAPWS Workshop, May 11-12, Access to Knowledgeable, Credible Experts  University professors are independent, credible experts  Direct participation in industry activities has great value Independent technical panels on high profile issues External reviews and oversight Consulting on specific technical areas Consultations to the regulator, public Advice/guidance on COG R&D directions  Metric: listing of specific interactions with university professors

IAPWS Workshop, May 11-12, Highly Qualified Personnel  OPG demographic issue causes us to hire ~100 engineers/scientists per year  Students are our future employees: Specialized knowledge in grad students New grads with interest in a nuclear career University R&D to create a “buzz” (existing employees getting advanced education)  Metric: % of UNENE HQP’s hired by OPGN and its service providers

IAPWS Workshop, May 11-12, Conclusions  University research plays an important role in supporting the development of nuclear power in Canada by Creating underlying knowledge and technology Providing credible, independent expertise to support the operating plants Training the next generation of nuclear workers