Aegis and Ontario Tech partner on maritime nuclear-hybrid energy research

Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp. has entered into a multi-year, $480,000 research collaboration with Ontario Tech University through the Mitacs Accelerate program. The partnership aims to develop and test a control platform based on digital twins to support the safe and resilient operation of hybrid energy systems in maritime environments.

The project focuses on integrating small and micro-modular reactors (SMR/MMR) with battery storage. By using digital twins, researchers can simulate varying loads, system failures, and cybersecurity threats to test control strategies before physical equipment is deployed. This approach is intended to reduce technical risks and address the complex safety questions arising from the integration of nuclear and battery technologies.

The research will be conducted within the Department of Energy and Nuclear Engineering at Ontario Tech, led by Professors Hossam Gaber, Li Yang, and Kirk Atkinson, with Khalil El-Khatib serving as co-leader. The initiative also aims to provide practical experience for emerging researchers in nuclear technology and cybersecurity, contributing to the development of a specialized Canadian workforce.