Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Supports Transport Canada in Research for Clean Energy Technologies to Decarbonize Marine Sector

Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), begins research project designed to examine opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants from marine vessels in Canada. Transport Canada awarded a contract to CNL to develop an assessment tool to examine clean technologies. Using what is known as CNL’s Marine-Zero Fuel^TM (MaZeF^TM) Assessment Tool, the objective is to help Canada assess and pursue the use of hydrogen and other clean energy technologies to transition away from traditional forms of fuel that are contributing to marine pollution and climate change.

Jacobs, as a partner of Canadian National Energy Alliance (CNEA), is seconded and fully integrated into Canadian Nuclear Laboratories under the government-owned, contractor-operated model. The team is managing and operating Canada’s nuclear research and development laboratories, decommissioning and radioactive waste management of legacy materials across 10 locations in Canada, including three prototype reactor sites, and the Laprade heavy water storage site. By 2025, CNEA’s vision is to transform the CNL enterprise, reduce decommissioning & waste management (DWM) liabilities and grow science & technology (S&T).

This three-year project is funded by Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre. Once complete, the assessment tool will be applicable to marine operations in Canada, both nationally and internationally, and comes as the Government of Canada works with the International Maritime Organization and international partners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are excited that CNL has the opportunity to partner with Transport Canada to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address ongoing environmental issues in the marine sector, all while transitioning away from traditional forms of fuel,” said Jacobs Critical Mission Solutions SVP, North American Nuclear, Karen Wiemelt. “CNL has a deep understanding of clean energy technologies and their applications, and we look forward to applying this expertise and supporting Canada in protecting the environment.”

The project will focus on developing the MaZeF^TM Assessment Tool to analyze the energy ecosystem within the marine industry and identify opportunities for Canadian operators to transition to clean energy technologies. Research will also focus on expanding the tool to include feasibility and business considerations, safety regulations and life-cycle analysis.

Scientists at CNL will examine different technologies that can be used for the production, storage and handling of hydrogen for marine vessels. Overall, these activities will produce a better understanding of the various propulsion methods available to the marine sector, including fuel cell engines and ammonia combustion technologies in existing engines.

CNL is a world leader in nuclear science and technology offering unique capabilities and solutions across a wide range of industries. Actively involved with industry-driven research and development in nuclear, transportation, clean technology, energy, defense, security and life sciences, CNL provides solutions to keep these sectors competitive internationally.