Canada-based AtkinsRéalis (part of the SNC-Lavalin Group), says a study it commissioned from the Conference Board of Canada (CBofC) shows that the construction of a four-unit Candu Monark NPP would have a positive economic impact in Canada and create thousands of jobs.
All of Canada’s currently operating NPPs use Candu (Canada Deuterium Uranium) technology. The pressurised heavy water reactor design was developed by federal Crown corporation Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd (AECL), in cooperation with Canadian industry, from the late 1950s and the first commercial unit began operation in 1971. AtkinsRéalis is the original equipment manufacturer of Candu technology (SNC-Lavalin Group Inc rebranded to AtkinsRéalis in 2023).
AtkinsRéalis unveiled its new Candu Monark reactor design in 2023. It features a larger output of 1,000 MWe, compared with existing Candu reactors, improved cost per megawatt-hour, a longer operating life of 70 years, sustainable design principles to minimise environmental impact, the latest in robotics, predictive maintenance and high integration with flexible electricity grids of the future.
The reactor has been designed to simplify maintenance, while incorporating a module-based construction strategy that reduces construction compared with previous generations of Candu technology. When combined with the enhanced control afforded by digital delivery concepts, it will be constructed faster and with lower risk.
“We have a world-class, made-in-Canada solution in Candu nuclear technology that will allow us to navigate the energy transition successfully and accrue many economic advantages for Canada,” said Joe St Julian, President, Nuclear, AtkinsRéalis.
The study found that construction of a four-unit Candu Monark plant would boost Canada’s GDP by more than CAD90bn ($66bn). The manufacturing, engineering, and construction phase of four units would generate more than CAD40.9bn of GDP impact for Canada and equivalent to over 20,000 full time, well-paying jobs and over 324,000 person-years of employment, as well as an additional CAD49.5 bn of GDP impact during the operation phase. The power plant will sustain 3,500 full – time equivalent jobs a year over its 70 -plus year operating life.
The report says that, due to the well-established Canadian supply chain for Candu reactors, the Canadian nuclear Industry is perfectly suited to a new build of Candu Monark reactors.
Additional key findings include:
CAD29.1bn in additional tax revenue across municipal, provincial and federal governments over the life of the project.
Candu Monark intellectual property is 100% Canadian owned and the Canadian supply chain will benefit strongly from exporting the product, leading to $4.8bn of GDP impact for each unit built overseas.
A fleet of reactors built in Canada would further develop human capital by leveraging cutting-edge nuclear technology, as well as leadership training and partnerships with colleges and universities.
“As Ontario looks to ramp up capacity to meet the 18,000 MW of new nuclear power, large nuclear reactors like Candu reactors will be key to addressing the forecasted demand,” said Gary Rose, Executive Vice-President, Nuclear, Canada, AtkinsRéalis. “If they are designed, built, supplied and serviced from within Canada, it is a win-win for all Canadians.”
