have 17MW of D.C. power,” he notes, a feature that sets Stern Labs apart as one of the most extensive facilities of its kind in North America. The lab is not just a national asset but pivotal in servicing the global water reactor industry. Stern Labs’ reach extends to CANDU plants across Canada, Korea, and China, as well as to the Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) and Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) industries throughout North America, Asia and Europe. This expansive network illustrates the lab’s international influence and expertise. Hadaller elaborates,“We service the worldwide water reactor industry,” positioning Stern Labs as a central player in the global nuclear landscape. Moreover, the lab’s scope goes beyond research. It provides specialty fuel simulators and intricate electric heaters that mimic fuel pins. Hadaller says, “We have a department that does this custom design and manufacturing for these projects.” This specialization in custom tooling for the nuclear industry indicates the lab’s ability to deliver tailored solutions, catering to each client’s unique needs. THE CASE FOR NUCLEAR IN A DIVERSIFIED ENERGY MIX The debate over the most effective and reliable sources intensifies as the world pivots toward renewable energy. Hadaller is candid about the limitations of various renewable sources, noting, “I think we need to use all forms of clean energy.” He acknowledges the potential of solar and wind but points out their inherent drawbacks, particularly in regions like Ontario. Solar power, while beneficial in many respects, struggles with a low-capacity factor in areas that experience significant cloud cover. “In Ontario, we have a lot of clouds. It isn’t a really great place for solar,” he remarks. Similarly, wind power, though valuable, suffers from intermittency issues. “Wind tends to be very intermittent and often blows at night when you don’t need the power,” he says, highlighting the need for storage solutions or backup systems to compensate for its unpredictable nature. Hadaller outlines nuclear energy’s key advantages, emphasizing its steady, inflation-proof power. 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 10 STERN LABORATORIES INC.
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