SIMSA is leading the supply chain development for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Saskatchewan, with MOUs for exclusive supply chain development MOUs with GE-Hitachi, X-energy, and the OCNI for Saskatchewan. We are also pursuing all nuclear fuel manufacturing opportunities.
SIMSA has also secured over $2.8-million in funding from NRCan’s “Enabling Small Modular Reactors Program“ towards “Accelerating Supply Chain Readiness and Participation in Saskatchewan for SMRs and Fuel Supply.” The Project aims to evaluate the capabilities of the existing supply chain in Saskatchewan, including Indigenous suppliers, and identify the technical requirements, gaps, opportunities, and barriers relating to the manufacturing, fuel cycle, construction, and operations of SMRs. The project involves SIMSA and several partners.
As such, SIMSA has hired Grant Cherkas as its Nuclear Specialist.
SIMSA and its members will now be able to leverage his considerable experience, as he has over 30 years of experience working in the nuclear industry, including experience as CNSC staff, OPG, and notably his recent previous role as Vice President of Market Development and Chief Engineer with Westinghouse Electric Canada where he was responsible for engineering, design for manufacturing, quality (including nuclear QA programs), manufacturing QC, qualification of suppliers, product specification & procurement, and supply chain development.
As SIMSA’s Nuclear Specialist, Grant will maximize the amount of Saskatchewan content for new nuclear development in Canada and globally, especially in Saskatchewan. His extensive technical background will enable him to continue SIMSA’s work in the sector as it enters more technical issues.
Grant will also work towards a knowledge legacy by bringing-in a junior engineer under his company “Prairie Nuclear Consulting Inc.”
This will allow Saskatchewan SMEs to expand their reach to other provinces and countries and ensures supply chain capacity is available for upcoming Saskatchewan projects, which will run concurrent to significant nuclear projects in New Brunswick and Ontario. Saskatchewan is a logical hub for a safe and ethical nuclear supply chain.
And, we have added three broad nuclear headings and several sub-headings to our member database. With these, government, reactor vendors, and major procurers can quickly identify who is “interested in nuclear” or “becoming accredited” for nuclear work, or “are accredited” and then explore further to see which categories.
