AtkinsRealis secures supply of Heavy water and future of CANDU technology around the world

Published: 2025-05-22 10:44:13 ET ATRL.TO

Published on 05/22/2025 at 10:44

Mississauga - Candu Energy Inc., an AtkinsRealis company, announces it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) of Argentina- the government agency devoted to research and development in the field of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy- to produce heavy water.

The MOU provides for the restart of the Industrial Heavy Water Plant (PIAP) in Neuquen, Argentina, along with the long-term acquisition of its heavy water output. It also provides for planning related to the establishment of one or more similar heavy water production facilities in Canada. These developments will support the ongoing operation of existing CANDU reactors in Canada and around the world, as well as the commissioning of new CANDU units globally. AtkinsRealis is the original equipment manufacturer of the Government of Canada-owned CANDU technology.

'This MOU is a significant investment for Canada in the global heavy water market during this renaissance period for the nuclear industry,' said Joe St. Julian, President, Nuclear, AtkinsRealis. 'Following commitments at COP 28, a growing market for 1,000 new reactors and demand for CANDU technology, including refurbishment projects and a fleet of reactors like the CANDU MONARK and Enhanced CANDU 6, investing in heavy water capacity supports the expansion of CANDU reactor infrastructure domestically and internationally.'

Heavy water is used as a moderator and coolant in CANDU reactors. This unique aspect is why CANDU technology uses unenriched uranium fuel, which enhances energy security and safety.

Securing Immediate Supply from Argentina

With an office in Buenos Aires, AtkinsRealis has long-standing experience in the Argentinian nuclear market, stemming from decades supporting their Embalse CANDU reactor.

The PIAP is owned by CNEA. Originally commissioned around 30 years ago, the facility has supplied Argentina's CANDU reactor, as well as exported heavy water to various countries. The proven and licensable facility is expected to resume operation as early as 2027. Following basic refurbishment work supported by AtkinsRealis, it will provide an immediate near-term supply for CANDU reactor needs.

'This agreement represents an important step for CNEA and for the province of Neuquen. The PIAP, located in this province, will receive investments aimed at its refurbishment and the incorporation of new personnel to work. In this sense, we are proud to have reached this understanding with AtkinsRealis, which will allow the plant to be commissioned. Although the facility has not been operating for eight years, it has remained in good condition, which gives us an excellent opportunity to reactivate its operation,' said Dr. Ing. German Guido Lavalle, President, CNEA.

Energy Security and Domestic Heavy Water Plant

For longer-term heavy water needs, the PIAP facility and the technology it is based on provide an opportunity for the establishment of a new, permanent, large-scale heavy water production facility in Canada. The location and production capacity of such a plant will be drawn up in coordination with government bodies and CANDU utility customers.

Such a production facility would dramatically increase Canada's energy security, create high-paying jobs and provide a secure supply of the heavy water needed for current and future CANDU reactors. It would also strategically position Canada as one of the few suppliers of this critical input to the global nuclear super cycle, strengthening its status as a Tier-1 nuclear nation.

About AtkinsRealis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRealis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us LinkedIn.

About AtkinsRealis' Nuclear Business

AtkinsRealis has over 70 years of global nuclear expertise, delivering nuclear technology products and full-service solutions to nuclear utilities around the world. AtkinsRealis is the steward of CANDU nuclear technology, operating on four continents, and provides advisory and engineering services to other nuclear developers. With an innovative technology portfolio, including access to over 500 patented solutions, AtkinsRealis solves technically complex challenges across the whole nuclear lifecycle from design and new build through asset management and from life extension and late life management through decommissioning and waste management. AtkinsRealis operates and manages government nuclear research sites, transforming ageing infrastructure and safely managing legacy nuclear waste. AtkinsRealis' CANDU technology also allows for the co-production of medical radioisotopes for cancer detection and treatment. The company also supports cancer treatment through its partnership with TerraPower to extract isotopes from legacy nuclear material. Learn more on our Nuclear market page.

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