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Calgary Herald

Innovations, challenges and optimism: Highlights from the Global Energy Show

Article content She noted things like drones and engine monitoring technologies such as satellites allow us to 'better understand the emissions problem.' Article content Pneumatic devices are traditionally powered by natural gas and very high-emitting, according to Bryant. Article content 'There were low emissions alternatives . . . now there are zero emissions alternatives, so we can entirely eliminate venting from that particular source,' she said. Article content Another player in Canada's energy mix is nuclear. Lou Riccoboni, vice-president of business development with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, spoke with Postmedia on Tuesday. Article content Among the parts of the organization's science mission are reducing environmental footprints, including safer ways of deploying nuclear technologies. Article content Riccoboni said the Ontario-based organization will do feasibility studies for clients in the oil and gas sector and elsewhere, looking at the viability of small modular reactors. Article content Article content Small modular reactors have a power capacity of up to 300 megawatts and can be deployed in more locations than large, conventional reactors. Article content There are also micro-modular reactors, those that produce up to 10 megawatts, which Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is focusing on. Article content 'With Canada's grid, the Arctic and northern remote communities — as a national laboratory, we thought we could play more of a role in the MMR side of things,' said Riccoboni. Article content 'If we were to start the process to try to get a nuclear installation in Alberta, it would take a minimum of 10 years,' said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith at the energy show on Wednesday. Article content Article content Article content Nuclear can be 'a powerful asset for the west,' said Carl Marcotte, senior vice-president, marketing and business development at Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company. Article content Before introducing Smith on Wednesday, Marcotte noted that Alberta's growing population and industrial base will require more energy. Article content 'Whatever Albertans decide to build, you will, but you need a lot more power to do it — reliable power that runs 24/7, power that works in great weather and when it's minus-45,' said Marcotte. Article content A four-unit Candu nuclear plant in the Peace River region is going through the initial planning process, with the project description being submitted to the regulator in April. Article content 'That's a major milestone. A lot of work went into that, and it happened very fast,' said Marcotte.