Overview
IDOM is an independent multinational company founded in Bilbao (Spain) in 1957 that provides professional integrated services in engineering, architecture and consulting. IDOM Canada Inc. has been around a little over a decade and has undertaken energy and civil engineering projects in several Canadian provinces.
IDOM has more than 3,800 employees (including 866 partners) working on projects in 127 countries. It has an annual turnover of 300M€.
IDOM Nuclear Services (IDOM NS) is a division of IDOM dedicated to nuclear services. It was established to support Spain’s early nuclear generation projects in the late 1970’s and 80’s. In the late 2000’s, IDOM NS started participation in the ITER fusion research project, widely regarded as one of the biggest technological and technical challenges ever faced.
In 2019, IDOM NS made a multi-million dollar investment in Moltex Energy, a reactor technology company developing a first-of-a-kind Stable Salt Reactor (SSR) in New Brunswick, Canada. This investment has allowed Moltex to accelerate the design of its safe, low-cost reactor technology and engage early in the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Vendor Design Review process.
IDOM NS has a small team in New Brunswick comprised of highly specialized employees from IDOM’s United Kingdom, United States and Spanish offices. This team provides Moltex with engineering support related to thermo-hydraulics, mechanics, instrumentation and control and other technical disciplines.
IDOM NS has experience providing technical and managerial support at every stage in the nuclear fuel cycle. In addition, IDOM’s past projects involving the design of molten salt facilities for the concentrated solar power industry will help Moltex progress towards the construction of a molten salt reactor, including thermal energy storage that allows the reactor to have variable output.
New Brunswick is establishing itself as an international hub for new nuclear technology, and IDOM is excited to be a part of this next wave of clean energy innovation. IDOM intends to continue supporting Moltex after its SSR technology is commercially demonstrated, adapting the licensed design to other sites and nuclear regulatory frameworks worldwide. To accomplish this, IDOM expects to build a multidisciplinary engineering team in New Brunswick composed of 10 to 20 qualified and specialized employees.
Actions
DEMONSTRATION AND DEPLOYMENT
Initiatives to reduce SMR capital costs
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ID01
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 38
ACTION
In response to the recommendation to develop and advance initiatives with a view to reducing SMR capital costs, IDOM is continuing to work closely with Moltex to develop the engineering and support the licensing of Moltex’s SSR technology, as well as outline an economic and business model that allows SSR technology to be exported worldwide.
EXPECTED RESULTS
- Optimize the engineering design of the SSR reactor so that it can be licensed by the CNSC.
- Drive SSR technology development in Canada and abroad.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Promoting diversity in the future SMR workforce
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ID02
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 39
ACTION
In response to the recommendation to ensure the future SMR workforce is diverse and representative, IDOM is assembling a multicultural and multinational engineering team in New Brunswick. IDOM selects qualified and experienced personnel based on project demands, always with an eye to social equity.
EXPECTED RESULTS
- Build an engineering team with diverse expertise able to explore different approaches and arrive at optimal solutions.
- Progress the Moltex project in New Brunswick, while being recognized as an equal opportunity employer.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Strategic partnerships and business models
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ID03
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 46
ACTION
In response to the recommendation to develop strategic partnerships, IDOM is maintaining its long-term agreement with Moltex to develop SSR technology, at the same time looking for other Canadian and international companies interested in the future construction and operation of SSRs.
EXPECTED RESULTS
- Increase understanding of nuclear energy in general and SMR GEN-IV in particular, and its integration with renewable energy technologies.
- Identify new opportunities for SMR deployment.
- Develop alternative engineering approaches to de-risk and increase competitiveness.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Dissemination of nuclear energy information to non-nuclear audiences
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ID04
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 50
ACTION
In response to the recommendation to showcase the diversity of people and types of work in this sector, IDOM is collaborating with a wide range of public and private stakeholders, as well as academic institutions and research centers. IDOM also participates in international nuclear forums (IAEA, ENS, etc.) and other multinational initiatives to share technology fundamentals and spread a positive message about the role of SMRs in a decarbonized economy.
EXPECTED RESULTS
- Increase understanding of nuclear energy in general and SMRs in particular.
- Increase support for nuclear energy among key stakeholders.
- Identify appropriate individuals and organizations with whom to collaborate on future projects.