Brian Fehrenbach
Interim CEO, OCNI
Mediaplanet sat down with Brian Fehrenbach, Interim CEO of OCNI, to discuss his vision for Canada’s nuclear sector, the evolution of the industry, the Ready4SMR program, and how OCNI is driving workforce development and innovation across the nuclear supply chain.
As the newly appointed Interim CEO of OCNI, what are you looking forward to most in this role?
OCNI is in a transitional period as we search for a permanent President and CEO.
Can you share your vision for Canada’s role in the future of the global nuclear sector?
OCNI wants to grow the value of the Canadian nuclear industry in Canada and around the world. We are leading the world in the deployment of SMRs in Canada, and we want to ensure that we leverage this advantage to grow our international presence.
How do you see Canada’s nuclear industry evolving in the next decade?
The biggest change for our industry is moving from a single (CANDU) technology with unenriched fuel to several technologies, each with a different type of fuel.
What does pan-Canadian support for the nuclear supply chain look like, and how is it impacting the industry’s growth and innovation?
OCNI’s Ready4SMR Program was developed to help companies in other industries – mining, oil & gas, aerospace – migrate their products to the nuclear industry. These programs exist in provinces that don’t already have an extensive nuclear supply chain, such as Saskatchewan and perhaps soon Alberta. Through this effort, we help to develop more overall capacity in locations across Canada.
Can you tell us more about the Ready4SMR program and its objectives?
In addition to the above, Ready4SMR programs also focus on Indigenous Engagement in the nuclear workforce and supply chain. Through global reach, we aim to look at opportunities to use Additive Manufacturing in the nuclear supply chain. These actions are addressed through Ready4SMR programming and are part of Canada’s SMR Roadmap.
How does OCNI support the nuclear industry?
OCNI plays a vital role in supporting the nuclear industry in various ways. We foster connection through networking and collaboration among industry partners, which helps to drive innovation and growth. We also support industry capacity as we continue to build the industry’s ability to meet current and future demands through strategic development and training initiatives. Through global reach, OCNI helps its members access and expand into high-growth international markets, broadening business opportunities. Finally, OCNI promotes and supports policies that ensure the sustainability and success of the Canadian nuclear supply chain through advocacy efforts. With these things in mind, OCNI continues to create a strong foundation for the ongoing advancement and resilience of the nuclear sector.
The nuclear industry is facing increasing labor demand. How is OCNI addressing workforce development and skills training?
OCNI is working with partners like CNA, UNENE, and COG on this initiative, which has many aspects. Some of our member companies are continually developing new and innovative ways to train new workers or to retrain workers moving from other industries.
