Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Government of Canada has signed a preliminary agreement with AtkinsRéalis to develop and modernize a large-scale, natural uranium–fuelled Canadian Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) nuclear reactor. The project, known as MONARK, will receive up to $304 million in funding over the next four years to finance half of its design.
The modernization will be a collaboration with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECO), operators and the broader Canadian supply chain. AECL and AtkinsRéalis will leverage this intellectual property to ensure success in today’s evolving energy markets.
“Advancing CANDU technology creates economic value for the country and Canadians, ensures energy security, and strengthens Canada’s position as a leading nuclear power,” said Ian Edwards, president and CEO of AtkinsRéalis.
In addition, the Canadian government is advancing other nuclear initiatives, including investments in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with $55 million in funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Future Electricity Fund (FEF) to support Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington New Nuclear Project. This project will focus on three new GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMRs, which produce zero greenhouse gas emissions and can generate enough electricity to power about 900,000 homes.
Funding for Saskatchewan’s Crown Investments Corporation will increase to $80 million for SaskPower’s SMR pre-development work, which includes technical studies and community engagement efforts.
Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington project is expected to create about 17,000 jobs in Ontario and 10,000 more across Canada. Nicolle Butcher, OPG’s president and CEO, highlighted the project’s potential to strengthen Canada’s nuclear supply chain and enhance energy security both domestically and internationally.