{
  "id": 12622714,
  "title": "Polytechnique looks to revive nuclear studies as Quebec’s only reactor turns 50",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/polytechnique-looks-to-revive-nuclear-studies-as-quebecs-only-reactor-12622714",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-07T12:22:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news-globalnews",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12090899/polytechnique-nuclear-studies/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Polytechnique Montréal, Quebec's sole functioning nuclear reactor, nicknamed \"Slowpoke,\" turns 50 this year. Despite its modest output of about 20 kilowatts, the reactor has been instrumental in nuclear research and education in the province. Known as \"Safe Low-Power Kritical Experiment,\" Slowpoke is a sealed-container in-pool type research reactor housed in a deep pool, unlike conventional reactors with cooling towers. Director of engineering physics, Nicolas Godbout, highlights the reactor's role in training hundreds of highly qualified personnel. However, with many former experts now retired, Polytechnique aims to reinvigorate its nuclear studies through a $1-million donation from AtkinsRéalis, which will establish a new nuclear engineering research chair. The reactor's diverse applications extend beyond energy, including medical uses and mineral exploration. It also serves as a quality assurance tool for companies, measuring elements in various products through neutron activation analysis. Although the reactor is not the oldest in Canada, it still has about 25 years of operational life left, thanks to its safety features.",
  "summary": "\"Slowpoke\" is a suitable name for Quebec's only working nuclear reactor. It only produces about 20 kilowatts of thermal energy, or enough to power six or seven toasters.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Polytechnique looks to revive nuclear studies as Quebec’s only reactor turns 50",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/polytechnique-looks-to-revive-nuclear-studies-as-quebecs-only-reactor",
        "published": "2026-10-07T08:00:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "Polytechnique looks to revive nuclear studies as Quebec’s only reactor turns 50",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/polytechnique-looks-to-revive-nuclear-studies-as-quebecs-only-reactor-12627625",
        "published": "2026-10-07T12:22:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}