Ontario Tech Dean Discusses Role of Nuclear Engineers in Canada’s Energy Sector
Governments and industry groups in Canada are increasing their use of nuclear power to expand grid capacity and meet clean-energy targets, according to Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean of Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. Dr. Kishawy discussed the importance of nuclear engineers in Canada’s energy sector during an interview published by Ontario Tech University on July 16, 2025.
Dr. Kishawy said nuclear energy is used in Canada to address greenhouse gas emissions and to provide steady electricity. According to Dr. Kishawy, nuclear energy supplies 52 per cent of Ontario’s electricity. He cited government projections that the continued use of nuclear power in Ontario will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million tonnes each year by 2030, which amounts to 3.8 per cent of projected 2030 emissions compared with natural gas.
Dr. Kishawy stated that nuclear power provides a stable supply of electricity that does not depend on weather or seasonal changes. He noted that hydroelectric power is Canada’s largest source of renewable energy and that wind and solar power are expanding, but he said nuclear energy currently meets electricity demand that renewables cannot fill.
According to Dr. Kishawy, engineers working in the nuclear sector design, operate, and maintain reactors, including the Canadian-developed CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium) technology exported internationally. He said nuclear engineers are responsible for developing systems to manage radioactive waste, improving reactor efficiency, and applying risk assessments and safety protocols for public and environmental safety.
Dr. Kishawy said the Ontario government is investing $25 billion to refurbish 10 reactors between 2016 and 2031, and has committed to bringing four grid-scale small modular reactors (SMRs) online between 2029 and 2035. Dr. Kishawy described SMRs as a next-generation reactor technology that typically requires less physical space than traditional large reactors and includes advanced safety features.
Ontario Tech University stated that it offers an undergraduate Nuclear Engineering degree program and various graduate research opportunities. The university reported partnerships with organizations such as Ontario Power Generation and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, and noted its Nuclear Career Accelerator program is aimed at mid-career engineers and technical professionals seeking roles in the nuclear sector.
Dr. Kishawy said Canada is experiencing a skilled labour shortage that includes nuclear engineering roles as the country expands its nuclear capacity. He also stated that engineers in the nuclear sector oversee decommissioning of facilities and design long-term storage solutions for radioactive waste, such as deep geological repositories. According to Dr. Kishawy, researchers are working on technologies that could reprocess spent fuel and reduce nuclear waste.