AtkinsRéalis Seeks U.S. Licensing for CANDU Reactor Technology

The filing marks the beginning of pre-application engagement with federal regulators, positioning the CANDU design as a candidate for the U.S. market. Unlike experimental concepts, the CANDU system is a proven technology with 34 units currently operating globally. The Enhanced CANDU 6 design, a 700+ MW-class pressurized heavy water reactor, features a distinct advantage by utilizing natural uranium, which eliminates the need for enrichment services and strengthens the domestic fuel supply chain.

Company leadership views this as a strategic entry into a shifting energy landscape. Ian L. Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis, emphasized that the technology’s track record of safety and operational reliability is intended to meet the needs of industrial users and hyperscale data center operators. Beyond power generation, the reactors are known for their ability to co-produce medical-grade isotopes, including a significant portion of the world’s supply of Cobalt-60. The company is now actively discussing potential deployment sites with U.S. utilities and state governments, prioritizing existing nuclear infrastructure to streamline the development process.