AtkinsRéalis Initiates U.S. Licensing for CANDU Technology
AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. (TSX: ATRL) announced on June 24, 2026, that it has formally submitted a Notice of Intent to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to begin the licensing process for its CANDU reactor technology in the United States. This filing marks the start of formal pre-application engagement with the NRC and represents a key milestone in the company's strategy to deploy proven large-scale nuclear power in response to significant U.S. electricity demand driven by data centers, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and broader electrification.
Company Position and Market Context
“As the United States enters a new chapter in its civilian nuclear program, AtkinsRéalis is uniquely positioned, as the steward of CANDU technology, to help advance the country’s ambitious energy policy through proven, low-cost reactor technology with a world-class reputation,” said Ian L. Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis. “This Notice of Intent marks a critical milestone in the development of CANDU’s international market. It’s also the first step in a process that supports our ambition to provide the U.S. with the reliable, affordable and safe large-scale nuclear power that is central to providing energy security and creating investment, jobs and economic opportunity in the country.”
CANDU Reactor Technology Overview
AtkinsRéalis owns the exclusive commercial rights to the CANDU technology, one of the world’s most established large reactor platforms. To date, 34 CANDU units have been built globally, accumulating nearly 1,000 reactor-years of experience. The Enhanced CANDU 6 design is a 700+ MW-class pressurized heavy water reactor that uses natural uranium fuel and online refuelling, enabling continuous operation without shutdown for refuelling outages.
Unlike first-of-a-kind reactor concepts, CANDU reactors have operated for decades across multiple jurisdictions, including Canada, Romania, Argentina, Korea, and China, under various regulatory frameworks. The design incorporates two independent fast-acting shutdown systems and has demonstrated strong operational and safety performance internationally.
Isotope Production and Fuel Supply Advantages
CANDU technology also co-produces medical-grade life-saving isotopes to sterilize medical equipment worldwide and for use in both detecting and fighting cancer. CANDU reactors in Canada produce 50% of the world’s supply of the Cobalt-60 isotope, according to the company.
“CANDU reactors strengthen U.S. energy security in a very tangible way as they use natural uranium and do not require enrichment, ultimately reducing reliance on foreign enrichment services,” said Joe St. Julian, President of Nuclear at AtkinsRéalis. That fuel flexibility, combined with decades of on-time and on-budget performance, will give the United States greater control over its nuclear fuel supply chain, which is of paramount importance in the current geopolitical climate, while delivering dependable, low-carbon baseload power.
Deployment Strategy and Engagement
The company is engaging U.S. utilities, state governments, and prospective anchor power purchasers, including hyperscale data center operators and large industrial users, to evaluate potential deployment opportunities. AtkinsRéalis is focusing on existing nuclear sites and jurisdictions with supportive nuclear policy frameworks to reduce siting risk and accelerate timelines.
