Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and AtkinsRéalis have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to investigate opportunities to collaborate on the production of heavy water for use in new Candu reactors in Canada.
Heavy water is a form of water in which the normal hydrogen is replaced by a heavier isotope of hydrogen called deuterium. It is used as both the moderator and as the reactor coolant in pressurized heavy water reactors, such as Candus. It has not been produced in Canada for more than 25 years.
The MoU brings together AtkinsRéalis' nuclear and industrial capabilities in Canada as the licensee of Candu technology, with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), owner of Candu intellectual property and other heavy water production technologies, and the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) who is a world leader in the industry with extensive experience in heavy water technologies.
The objective of the MoU is to examine options and chose cost efficient, environmentally responsible, and viable heavy water production technologies, which could include the creation of industrial scale heavy water production facilities to support the deployment of a new fleet of Candu reactors.
Ian Edwards is the AtkinsRéalis President and CEO. He said that “This collaboration among important stakeholders in the Canadian nuclear sector sets the stage for Canada to lead the global heavy water market, solidifying its role as a key player in the energy transition. With Candu reactors operating across four continents, a global nuclear new build market with expected demand in excess of 1000 new reactors, a strong Candu reactor refurbishment market, and the introduction of the new Candu Monark 1000 MW reactor in addition to the existing Enhanced Candu 6, this memorandum of understanding could not have come at a better time.”
Fred Dermarkar is the AECL President and CEO. He added that “I am pleased that AECL, CNL and AtkinsRéalis are collaborating and working together to advance heavy water production for Candu reactor technology. Candu technology is uniquely positioned to contribute to important national objectives such as decarbonization, energy security, economic growth and maintaining Canada's Tier-1 nuclear nation status.”
Jack Craig is the CNL President and CEO. He said, “The deployment of large-scale nuclear power in Canada is an enormous undertaking, and will require extensive alignment and coordination between organizations, industries, public officials and regulators from across the country. Heavy water is one key piece of the larger puzzle, and CNL is working hard to play a leadership role in this process, ensuring that the broader industry is working towards a shared vision, and that the necessary inventory and production capabilities are in place to supply these reactors.”
The Bruce Heavy Water Plant, which operated from 1973 until 1998, was built by AECL. It was located within the boundaries of the Bruce nuclear power plant, but was owned and operated by Ontario Power Generation. The plant was constructed to supply the heavy water needed for Canada's nuclear power program. Candus are very efficient in their use of heavy water, which is recycled. This means that the Bruce Heavy Water Plant's output was no longer needed after sufficient stockpiles were produced. Decommissioning of the Bruce Heavy Water Plant's began in 2004, with demolition work completed in 2006.