AtkinsRéalis has officially started the licensing process with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its Candu reactor technology, according to a company announcement on June 24, 2026. This move marks a significant milestone in the Canadian engineering firm's efforts to expand its nuclear footprint into the American market.
Licensing application details
The company submitted a standard design certification application to the NRC, which is the first step toward gaining approval to build Candu reactors in the United States. AtkinsRéalis CEO Ian Edwards said in a statement that the application represents years of preparation and collaboration with U.S. regulators. “This is a critical step in bringing Canadian nuclear technology to the U.S. market,” Edwards said, as reported by The Canadian Press.
The Candu reactor, a pressurized heavy-water reactor design developed in Canada, is known for its ability to use natural uranium as fuel and for its CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) technology. AtkinsRéalis, formerly SNC-Lavalin, has been a key player in the global nuclear industry, with Candu reactors operating in Canada, South Korea, China, Argentina, and Romania.
Strategic importance for the U.S. market
The U.S. is seeking to expand its nuclear capacity as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security. AtkinsRéalis aims to offer Candu reactors as a proven, domestically adaptable option. The licensing process with the NRC typically takes several years and involves rigorous safety and design reviews. If successful, AtkinsRéalis could compete with other reactor designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and large light-water reactors.
Industry analysts note that Candu reactors have a unique selling point: they can be refueled while operating, increasing their availability factor. According to AtkinsRéalis, the Candu technology has a cumulative operating experience of over 1,000 reactor-years worldwide. The company has also been developing a more advanced Candu reactor design, the Candu Enhanced CANDU 6 (EC6), which could be part of the U.S. application.
Broader context and future outlook
The announcement comes amid growing interest in nuclear power in the U.S., with several utilities considering new builds and the Biden administration supporting advanced nuclear technologies. AtkinsRéalis has been actively promoting Candu reactors in other markets, including the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe. In Canada, the company is involved in the refurbishment of Candu reactors at the Bruce Power and Ontario Power Generation facilities.
“We believe Candu technology can play a vital role in the U.S. clean energy transition,” Edwards added. The company expects the NRC review to take approximately 40 months, with a decision possible by 2030. If approved, AtkinsRéalis could begin construction of Candu reactors in the U.S. later this decade, potentially creating thousands of jobs and boosting Canada-U.S. energy trade.
