Montreal-based clean technology leader PyroGenesis Inc. has secured a significant initial contract to advance the use of its proprietary plasma systems for the treatment of low-level radioactive waste in Europe. The company announced on December 17, 2025, the signing of a design phase contract with a major European organization specializing in radioactive waste processing and nuclear decommissioning.
Designing a Plasma Solution for Nuclear Waste
The newly signed contract marks a concrete step forward from earlier negotiations, which were hinted at in PyroGenesis's second-quarter earnings report. The agreement is specifically for the design phase of a plasma furnace intended for integration into the client's radioactive material treatment process. The European client, whose name remains confidential for competitive reasons, brings decades of expertise in decommissioning nuclear facilities and managing radioactive materials safely.
The core objective of this four-month project is to define the technical specifications, sizing, and design parameters for a plasma-equipped furnace and its related components. This work is a precursor to a potential subsequent engineering and construction phase for a radioactive waste vitrification and treatment plant in Europe. A key part of the study will involve engineering simulations to evaluate the proposed plasma torch furnace against alternative technologies like electric arc furnaces.
A Strategic Move in a Growing Market
This contract arrives at a pivotal time, as the European Union anticipates growth in its nuclear energy capacity. This expansion is expected to lead to a corresponding increase in low-level and very-low-level radioactive waste. Combined, these waste categories represent approximately 90% of all stored radioactive waste in the EU, creating a pressing need for new, safe, and effective treatment solutions.
"With the renewed emphasis on nuclear power around the world, the need for systems that can safely process and treat low-level radioactive waste should continue to grow," stated P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis. He emphasized that the company's all-electric plasma furnaces offer a low-carbon, incineration-free alternative that could reduce reliance on landfills and other conventional radioactive waste handling methods.
Understanding Low-Level Radioactive Waste
The technology targets low-level radioactive waste (LLW), which consists of items contaminated through contact with radioactive processes but are not radioactive themselves. This category includes everyday materials like tools, protective gloves, paper, and rags used within nuclear facilities. The related category of very low-level waste (VLLW) encompasses bulkier materials such as concrete, rubble, soil, scrap metal, and large components like steam generators that have been exposed to radioactivity.
By applying ultra-high-temperature plasma, PyroGenesis aims to transform this waste into a stable, glass-like substance through vitrification, significantly reducing its volume and environmental hazard. This contract positions the Montreal firm at the forefront of an emerging and critical niche within the global clean technology and environmental management sectors.
