Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) has received a $2.2 billion worth of capital funding from the Government of Canada to continue the revitalization of the Chalk River Laboratories, west of Ottawa.

The capital commitment, which will be made available to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) by AECL, allows CNL to continue to modernize the AECL-owned Chalk River Laboratories campus through the revitalization of site infrastructure and a significant investment in new facilities.

The investment will support nuclear energy leadership in areas that include power generation, fuel development, safety and security, decommissioning and waste management, and reactor life extension and reliability.

“This investment reflects the Government of Canada’s confidence in the strategic value of Chalk River Laboratories and the role AECL plays in enabling nuclear science and innovation for Canada,” said AECL President and CEO Fred Dermarkar. “It will help ensure this nationally important site continues to support clean energy, innovation and long-term economic opportunities.”

Because AECL’s Chalk River Laboratories site is over 70 years old, much of the infrastructure both underground and above ground needs to be replaced or refurbished, including the renewal of approximately 60 buildings and facilities on the campus.

The federal funding will enable CNL to continue this process, which began in 2016, and has included the construction of several new, modern laboratories, support facilities, site infrastructure and office buildings.

A key focus of future capital spending will be on sustainable investments into the campus, including energy efficient heating and cooling; and roof and exterior improvements to meet government of Canada’s net zero greenhouse gas emission goals some of which is already well underway.

Funding will also support the continued design & construction of the Advanced Nuclear Materials Research Centre, a state-of-the-art research complex that will be one of the largest nuclear research facilities built in Canada.

Once complete, the 12,700 square-metre facility will feature 23 laboratories and 12 shielded hot cells that will enable post-irradiation examination of small modular reactor and next-generation nuclear fuels in addition to glovebox facilities to support the development of advanced fuel fabrication concepts.

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