Candu Energy Inc., a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group announced it has won a mandate to deliver specialized engineering and design services to Eclipse Automation, in support of the development of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ new Advanced Nuclear Materials Research Centre (ANMRC). Under the contract valued at approximately CAD$13 million, SNC-Lavalin will design the structures & foundations for 12 shielded hot cells at the new, cutting-edge laboratory research complex in Chalk River, Ontario. The work is expected to last two years.
“This important mandate demonstrates our team’s trusted ability to deliver key projects across the entire nuclear lifecycle- including outside the operational nuclear power plant market,” said Sandy Taylor, president, Nuclear, SNC-Lavalin. “While we maintain a leading presence in the new reactor builds, reactor maintenance and life extension, and decommissioning and waste management spaces, we are also strongly positioned to provide customized engineering and design solutions for nuclear research laboratories that directly support innovation. Through leveraging our decades of global experience in nuclear plant design, we are uniquely qualified to partner with Eclipse in developing a key component of this state-of-the-art research facility, that will propel next-generation nuclear technologies in Canada.”
Once complete, the 12 shielded hot cells will safely enable post-irradiation examination of small modular reactor (SMR) components and next-generation nuclear fuels. Together with the glovebox facilities contained within them, the hot cells will support the development of next-generation nuclear technologies, such as advanced fuel fabrication concepts, and new SMR components. This technology will support the development and implementation of carbon-free nuclear energy, in support of Net Zero targets. SNC-Lavalin will also design and develop an active liquid waste management system for the laboratory.
As one of the largest research and development facilities to be constructed in Canada, the ANMRC will position the country as a world leader in nuclear science and technological innovation. The laboratory will also support Canada’s Net Zero goals by providing capabilities critical to the life extension and maintenance of existing reactors, including Canada’s CANDU nuclear reactors.
Featured image: (CNL)
