Aegis Critical signs hybrid nuclear energy MOU

Executive Summary

• Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Malahat Energy Systems Inc. and Ontario Tech University to collaborate on the research, development, and validation of hybrid nuclear energy systems.
• The initiative aims to integrate Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs) with Aegis’s proprietary Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and cyber-secure energy management controls to create resilient, dispatchable power solutions.
• The collaboration targets mission-critical applications in high-growth sectors, specifically focusing on marine/port infrastructure and defence/security sectors, including remote and Arctic operations.

Key Details

• Parties Involved: Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp. (developer/integrator of BESS and resilient power), Malahat Energy Systems Inc. (applied engineering), and Ontario Tech University (nuclear research).
• Objective: To establish a framework for hybrid nuclear energy architectures, combining SMRs/MMRs with Aegis’s hardware and controls to address integration hurdles and unlock SMR adoption in strategic markets.
• Scope of Work (Phased Approach):
  • Modelling of SMR/MMR electrical characteristics and system dynamics.
  • Design and evaluation of hybrid SMR/MMR-BESS configurations for microgrid and infrastructure applications.
  • Development of cyber-secure energy management systems (EMS) for nuclear-integrated environments.
  • Integrated simulations using digital twins and optimization techniques.
  • Progression to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and controller validation.
  • Identification of demonstration opportunities and external financing (subject to separate agreements).
• Target Applications:
  • Marine/Port: Cold-climate northern ports, industrial marine facilities, and environments requiring resilient, dispatchable power (e.g., similar to the port of Churchill).
  • Defence: Northern military installations, forward operating bases, and Arctic operations requiring secure, low-signature power and energy independence.
• Technical Leadership:
  • Dr. Ramtin Rasoulinezhad (Aegis/Malahat): Power systems, microgrids, hybrid architectures.
  • Dr. Kirk Atkinson (Ontario Tech): SMR engineering, fuel systems, integration, nuclear safety.
  • Dr. Hossam Gaber (Ontario Tech): Hybrid energy systems, smart grids, control methodologies.
  • Dr. Khalil El-Khatib (Ontario Tech): Cybersecurity and resilient system design.
• Financial & Governance Terms:
  • The MOU imposes no financial obligations on any party.
  • Grant applications are actively underway to support research and validation; any resulting financing is subject to separate agreements and institutional approvals.
  • Intellectual Property: Background IP remains with respective owners. Foreground IP arising from the collaboration will belong to Aegis Critical Energy Defence (or designated affiliate/subsidiary), subject to institutional policies and definitive agreements.
  • A joint technical coordination group has been established to advance work plans and milestones via separate statements of work.

Notable Quotes

• "This collaboration is about unlocking nuclear power for applications where it has historically been impractical," said Dr. Rasoulinezhad. "By integrating SMRs and MMRs with Aegis's advanced battery systems and secure controls, we are creating a new class of dispatchable, mission-ready energy infrastructure. This collaboration strengthens our technology moat and positions Aegis to capture outsized value as governments and industry invest in resilient, sovereign energy solutions."