AtkinsRéalis Submits Intent to License CANDU® Reactor with NRC as Power Demand Grows
On June 24, 2026, AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. officially announced its move to file a Notice of Intent with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding the licensing of its CANDU® reactor technology. This filing signifies the beginning of a formal pre-application process, which is a vital step in the company's strategy to introduce large-scale nuclear power solutions to meet the escalating electricity demands of the United States. The surge in demand primarily comes from burgeoning sectors such as data centers, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and overall electrification.
The President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis, Ian L. Edwards, emphasized the company's unique position to contribute to the United States' energy landscape, especially as the nation enters a transformative phase in its civilian nuclear program. He highlighted that the introduction of CANDU technology could support the country in achieving its ambitious energy goals while ensuring safety and cost-efficiency. Edwards stated, "This Notice of Intent marks a critical milestone in the development of CANDU's international market, further validating our ambition to provide reliable nuclear power that is essential for energy security."
AtkinsRéalis offers exclusive commercial rights to the CANDU technology, recognized globally as one of the most reliable large reactor platforms with 34 units currently in operation across different nations, including Canada, Romania, Argentina, Korea, and China. The Enhanced CANDU®6 design boasts a capacity of over 700 MW and utilizes natural uranium fuel along with online refueling capabilities, allowing for uninterrupted operation without the need for downtimes associated with refueling.
The CANDU reactors stand out from other first-of-its-kind concepts, having operated efficiently for decades under diverse regulatory environments. Integrated with advanced safety measures such as dual independent fast-acting shutdown systems, the design has established a solid track record of operational safety and performance across the globe.
In addition to power generation, CANDU technology also plays a pivotal role in producing medical-grade isotopes necessary for sterilizing medical equipment and treating cancer. Notably, reactors in Canada contribute to 50% of the global supply of the Cobalt-60 isotope, which is crucial for various medical applications.
AtkinsRéalis is currently engaging with U.S. utilities, state authorities, and potential major power consumers, including large data center operators and industrial sectors, to explore deployment prospects. The focus is particularly on existing nuclear sites with favorable nuclear policies in place to minimize risks associated with site selection and to expedite project timelines.
Joe St. Julian, President of Nuclear at AtkinsRéalis, remarked on how CANDU reactors can significantly bolster U.S. energy security. Notably, these reactors utilize natural uranium, negating the need for enrichment and thereby reducing reliance on external enrichment providers. This feature augments the United States' control over its nuclear fuel supply chain—a critical consideration in today’s geopolitical landscape—while providing dependable, low-carbon baseload electricity.
With a workforce of over 40,000 worldwide, including 7,000 nuclear specialists, AtkinsRéalis supports a comprehensive spectrum of services throughout the nuclear life cycle, spanning from new construction and refurbishment to reactor support and waste management. The Canadian nuclear supply chain, closely tied to AtkinsRéalis, comprises 250 companies employing around 90,000 individuals. Their expertise positions AtkinsRéalis not just as a leader in nuclear technology but as a provider of sustainable solutions aimed at crafting a better future.
In summary, AtkinsRéalis' submission to the NRC marks a significant development in the push for advanced nuclear power solutions aimed at addressing the burgeoning energy demands within the U.S. This initiative not only aligns with national energy strategies but also reinforces the company's commitment to delivering innovative and dependable energy solutions through decades of established nuclear technology.
The President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis, Ian L. Edwards, emphasized the company's unique position to contribute to the United States' energy landscape, especially as the nation enters a transformative phase in its civilian nuclear program. He highlighted that the introduction of CANDU technology could support the country in achieving its ambitious energy goals while ensuring safety and cost-efficiency. Edwards stated, "This Notice of Intent marks a critical milestone in the development of CANDU's international market, further validating our ambition to provide reliable nuclear power that is essential for energy security."
AtkinsRéalis offers exclusive commercial rights to the CANDU technology, recognized globally as one of the most reliable large reactor platforms with 34 units currently in operation across different nations, including Canada, Romania, Argentina, Korea, and China. The Enhanced CANDU®6 design boasts a capacity of over 700 MW and utilizes natural uranium fuel along with online refueling capabilities, allowing for uninterrupted operation without the need for downtimes associated with refueling.
The CANDU reactors stand out from other first-of-its-kind concepts, having operated efficiently for decades under diverse regulatory environments. Integrated with advanced safety measures such as dual independent fast-acting shutdown systems, the design has established a solid track record of operational safety and performance across the globe.
In addition to power generation, CANDU technology also plays a pivotal role in producing medical-grade isotopes necessary for sterilizing medical equipment and treating cancer. Notably, reactors in Canada contribute to 50% of the global supply of the Cobalt-60 isotope, which is crucial for various medical applications.
AtkinsRéalis is currently engaging with U.S. utilities, state authorities, and potential major power consumers, including large data center operators and industrial sectors, to explore deployment prospects. The focus is particularly on existing nuclear sites with favorable nuclear policies in place to minimize risks associated with site selection and to expedite project timelines.
Joe St. Julian, President of Nuclear at AtkinsRéalis, remarked on how CANDU reactors can significantly bolster U.S. energy security. Notably, these reactors utilize natural uranium, negating the need for enrichment and thereby reducing reliance on external enrichment providers. This feature augments the United States' control over its nuclear fuel supply chain—a critical consideration in today’s geopolitical landscape—while providing dependable, low-carbon baseload electricity.
With a workforce of over 40,000 worldwide, including 7,000 nuclear specialists, AtkinsRéalis supports a comprehensive spectrum of services throughout the nuclear life cycle, spanning from new construction and refurbishment to reactor support and waste management. The Canadian nuclear supply chain, closely tied to AtkinsRéalis, comprises 250 companies employing around 90,000 individuals. Their expertise positions AtkinsRéalis not just as a leader in nuclear technology but as a provider of sustainable solutions aimed at crafting a better future.
In summary, AtkinsRéalis' submission to the NRC marks a significant development in the push for advanced nuclear power solutions aimed at addressing the burgeoning energy demands within the U.S. This initiative not only aligns with national energy strategies but also reinforces the company's commitment to delivering innovative and dependable energy solutions through decades of established nuclear technology.
Topics Energy）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.