AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. (TSE: ATRL) has taken the first formal step toward bringing its CANDU nuclear reactor technology to the United States after submitting a Notice of Intent to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, advancing plans to supply large-scale nuclear power for growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence, data centres and advanced manufacturing.
The filing begins the pre-application licensing process with the regulator. It also marks a milestone in the company’s strategy to expand CANDU technology into the U.S. market. Consequently, AtkinsRéalis will begin formal discussions with the commission as it works toward obtaining approval for future reactor deployments.
Chief executive Ian Edwards said the United States is entering a new phase of nuclear development. He said AtkinsRéalis aims to support that expansion with proven reactor technology that delivers reliable and affordable electricity while strengthening energy security and encouraging investment and job creation.
The company owns the exclusive commercial rights to CANDU reactor technology. It has built 34 reactors worldwide that have accumulated nearly 1,000 reactor-years of operating experience.
The latest Enhanced CANDU 6 design generates more than 700 megawatts of electricity. Additionally, it uses natural uranium instead of enriched fuel and allows operators to refuel the reactor while it continues producing electricity.
That online refuelling system eliminates the need to shut down reactors for routine fuel replacement. As a result, operators can maintain steady electricity production and reduce interruptions.
CANDU reactors have operated for decades in Canada, Romania, Argentina, South Korea and China. Furthermore, the design includes two independent rapid shutdown systems. It has also established a long operating record across multiple regulatory environments.
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AtkinsRéalis discussing nuclear options with US organizations
The company also said CANDU reactors produce medical isotopes alongside electricity. Canadian CANDU facilities currently generate about 50 per cent of the world’s cobalt-60 supply. This sterilizes medical equipment and supports certain cancer detection and treatment procedures.
Meanwhile, AtkinsRéalis is holding discussions with U.S. electric utilities, state governments, hyperscale data centre operators and major industrial power users to identify potential project sites.
The company plans to focus on existing nuclear locations and jurisdictions with supportive nuclear policies. Consequently, that approach could reduce permitting risks and shorten development timelines.
Joe St. Julian, president of the company’s nuclear division, said CANDU technology offers strategic fuel advantages because it operates on natural uranium rather than enriched uranium. He said that capability could reduce U.S. dependence on foreign uranium enrichment services while giving utilities greater control over their fuel supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
Additionally, St. Julian said the reactor’s established construction and operating record could help utilities deploy dependable, low-carbon baseload electricity with fewer uncertainties than first-of-a-kind reactor designs.
AtkinsRéalis employs more than 40,000 people globally, including 7,000 nuclear specialists. The broader Canadian nuclear supply chain includes about 250 companies and supports approximately 90,000 jobs.
