SNC-Lavalin subsidiary nets $13M contract for nuclear design work
A subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin has been awarded a contract worth $13 million to provide specialized engineering and design services in support of the development of one of the largest nuclear research facilities every to be built in Canada.
Candu Energy Inc. announced that it had won the contract for the work on February 28. The project scope sees the company design the structures and foundations for 12 shielded hot cells at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' new Advanced Nuclear Materials Research Centre (ANMRC) in Chalk River, Ontario.
The work, in support of project partner Eclipse Automation, 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 at 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."
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.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories announced last November that it had reached an integrated project delivery agreement with a team of constructors for work at the ANMRC. That group includes Chandos Construction Inc., Bird Construction Inc., M. Sullivan & Son Limited, Eclipse Automation, JP2G Consultants, RJC Engineers, Merrick & Company, Modern Niagara, MSE, Plan Group and Siemens.
At 10,000 square metres, the ANMRC will accommodate 240 employees and consolidate key capabilities from aging facilities that are scheduled for decommissioning. The facility is positioned to serve as the backbone of CNL’s research and development infrastructure.
Construction is scheduled to begin this year.