In July, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) had the opportunity to connect with high school students from across the country about the work we’re doing to safely manage Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste in deep geological repositories. NWMO staff delivered presentations to more than 750 youth participating in Shad Canada’s immersive, STEAM-focused summer program at nine university campuses.
Shad Canada’s annual summer residency attracts extraordinary grade 10 and 11 students from across the country for a month-long STEAM and entrepreneurship program. Its selection process brings together participants who are curious, driven and creative thinkers that are ready to make their mark in fields like technology, medicine, education and clean energy.
Shad’s theme this year was sustainable transportation. Our presenters challenged participants to apply what they’ve learned from the presentations and their residency more broadly to transporting used nuclear fuel. Canada’s used nuclear fuel is currently safely stored in interim storage facilities at nuclear reactor sites. While the transportation of used nuclear fuel to a deep geological repository will only begin in the early 2040s, initial planning is underway.
“We wanted to hear how the students would approach the question of safely transporting used nuclear fuel from where it’s currently stored in southern Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick to the selected repository site in northwestern Ontario,” said Caitlin Crawford, who presented to an inquisitive group of 65 students at the University of New Brunswick. “It was really impressive to hear the innovative and forward-thinking ideas they proposed — from looking at both road and rail options to optimize safety and flexibility to estimating the cost, time and efficiency of the transportation methods. The future is in good hands.”
As a longstanding partner and sponsor of Shad Canada, the NWMO aims to help foster curiosity and learning in the next generation of changemakers and science leaders. We are implementing a multigenerational project and it’s the youth of today who will be leading this future work — including implementing a transportation program that is safe and efficient.